The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) on Monday hosted a consultation workshop at the Heritage Park Hotel to develop a new National Tourism Development Policy for the Solomon Islands.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the private sector, provincial governments, line ministries, development partners, and community-based organizations to share ideas and insights on shaping the future of tourism in the country.
In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of MCT, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring that the new policy reflects the collective aspirations of all contributors to the tourism sector.
“The policy must not only guide government priorities but also capture the shared vision of our partners, operators, and communities,” PS Sivoro stated.
He highlighted that tourism has been identified by the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) as a key economic pillar for national growth, given its potential to create jobs, generate income, and stimulate investment across the islands.
Mr. Sivoro noted that the new policy will build on previous frameworks — the 1989 and 2015 Tourism Policies — while maintaining sustainability at its core.
“As we move forward, we must protect our environment, promote our culture, and empower our people to be at the heart of tourism development,” he said.
The consultation workshop marks the start of a nationwide process to develop a forward-looking tourism policy that is inclusive, practical, and aligned with the country’s development priorities.
The GNUT Government continues to prioritize tourism development as a key driver of economic growth and job creation across the Solomon Islands.
