The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is reviewing the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) Act to introduce penalties for tourism operators who fail to meet the country’s Minimum Standards requirements.
Deputy Secretary Philip Sukibuka confirmed the move during the recent Tourism In Focus event in Honiara on Thursday 19th February.
Mr Sukibuka said the review aims to strengthen compliance and improve service quality across the tourism sector.
“As part of the review, our team deployed in 2024 and last year to the Shortland Islands, Choiseul, and also Malaita Province,” he said.
The visits focused on conducting minimum standards assessments and supporting the development of new accommodation facilities, including newly established properties in Honiara.
Mr Sukibuka also highlighted growing opportunities in the cruise tourism market, noting the increasing number of cruise ships arriving in Solomon Islands waters.
“We are seeing increased numbers of cruise ships, and that is an opportunity for us to tap into,” he said.
The ministry is supporting the development of cruise destinations in Makira and parts of Temotu Province, and is planning to expand assistance to other emerging destinations to attract more cruise liners.
In addition, Mr Sukibuka stressed the importance of research in guiding government policy and planning.
The ministry is working in partnership with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation to update key surveys, including the International Business Survey (IBS), the International Visitor Survey (IVS), and the Community Behaviour Survey.
He said efforts are also underway to improve the ministry’s data management systems.
“Currently, we have fragmented databases that are all over the place. We are trying to establish a one-stop-shop data system so that when requests come from Cabinet in terms of planning, we can easily retrieve information and support our political leaders in their decision-making,” he said.
Mr Sukibuka added that the ministry continues to support academic research within the tourism sector, with several student researchers currently engaged, including one doctoral candidate expected to conduct research this year.
