Solomon Islands’ tourism leaders are so determined for the island nation to become the next ‘hot spot’ of the South Pacific, that they’ve even changed the law to make it happen.
The Minister for Culture and Tourism the Hon. Bartholomew Parapolo told media in Sydney that the destination is working on a new legal framework that will support tourism initiatives and attract new investors.
The new national policy will be designed to “facilitate tourism investment, marketing, promotion and encourage the whole of government to support tourism infrastructure and and transport sector”.
Additionally, it is expected to drive up tourism numbers by instilling potential visitors with the confidence they need to book a trip to the destination.
“The new law will create a standard for tourism facilities and product in the whole country.”
The Hon. Bartholomew Parapolo, Solomon Islands Minister for Culture and Tourism
“It also aims to develop the natural, historical and culture aspects of the country into tourism attractions.
“Furthermore the new law aims to embrace assurance for visitors to the country.”
The new law comes in the midst of Solomon Islands’ tourism transformation, which includes infrastructure upgrades, profitable partnerships and new investors.
Most recently, Honiara’s International Sea Port completed a major upgrade to handle two ships at a time and to accommodate larger mass market vessels. This is particularly important as the destinations prepares to double its cruise ships arrivals in 2017.
Plans are also in place for a second phase upgrade of Honiara International Airport and construction is also expected to commence shortly on Honiara roads within the city and surrounding areas to create “access to key tourism attractions and support participation for the rural population”.
Image: Oliver Foerstner / Shutterstock.com
Work is underway to improve accommodation across the island nation to meet the quality and standard expected by international visitors.
According to the Minister, upgrading, particularly for hotels and resorts, is necessary not only to “enhance the competitiveness of the Solomon Islands as a tourist destination”, but to make use of rooms that are currently not being used due to their dated interior.
“Getting the standard of facilities will also create the confidence with our trade partners to include more facilities and products.”
The Hon. Bartholomew Parapolo, Solomon Islands Minister for Culture and Tourism
Latest figures from the island nation show that it is on target to reach its nine percent increase in visitor arrivals in 2016.
May was a particularly successful month, with a record number of 1,897 international visitors arriving across the month, up from 1,750 during the same month last year.
Australian numbers dominate, the 770 figure recorded for May representing a 12.4 percent increase over the 685 recorded in 2015 and claiming 40.5 percent of all visitation.