MCT shift to more strategic and targeted approach aimed at strengthening tourism product offerings
Honiara, – The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), Bunyan Sivoro, has acknowledged the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) for its strong and growing support towards the tourism sector.
PS Sivoro’s remarks follow the successful opening and launching of several government-supported tourism projects in recent weeks.
These include the Zaru Hotel in Gizo, and two hotels in Central Province, Rua Koukomo Resort on Double Island and the newly renovated Raiders Hotel in Tulagi.
Citing the Government’s commitment to the sector, particularly through increased budgetary support which commenced in 2025, the PS said this has enabled the Ministry to shift from a piecemeal approach to a more strategic and targeted approach aimed at strengthening the country’s tourism product offerings.
“The increased government support has allowed the Ministry to move away from fragmented initiatives and instead focus on more coordinated investments intended to elevate our tourism products and stimulate the much-needed growth in the sector,” PS Sivoro said.
The PS also cited the support provided to local accommodation operators as one example, noting that several locally owned operators in the provinces have demonstrated their ability to improve the standards of their hotels and hospitality services when given the right level of support.
PS Sivoro further explained that the strong backing from the Government has also enabled the Ministry to advance its plans to adopt a ‘hub-and-spoke’ or ‘cluster development’ approach to tourism development, this strategy focused on leveraging existing infrastructure and current strengths in key locations across the country.
“The Ministry has already identified several tourism hubs that will anchor our development approach,” he said.
“These include the Tulagi Hub, which has been identified as a heritage and leisure tourism hub.
“Tulagi’s rich colonial history, significant World War II heritage, and natural beauty provide a strong foundation for tourism development right across Central Island Province, particularly the Gela Islands.”
PS Sivoro noted that the recent development of international-standard accommodation facilities in Tulagi will complement the currently ongoing Haus No.1 Museum Project, as well as showcase the country’s colonial history when Tulagi served as the first capital of Solomon Islands, the rich culture of the Gela people, the legacy of World War II, and Tulagi’s modern commercial history as the base of the country’s first tuna canning operations.
Other tourism hubs identified include the Auki Hub, intended to position Malaita as a cultural tourism destination; the Munda Hub, which will focus on adventure and leisure tourism; and Honiara, which has been established as the country’s business and events tourism hub.
PS Sivoro said additional hubs will be identified as tourism development progresses.
He emphasized that if the level of government commitment continues to grow, the Ministry will be in a much stronger position to develop new tourism products, strengthen infrastructure, and improve Solomon Islands’ competitiveness as a desired tourism destination.
“The Ministry remains optimistic that with continued government support and partnership with the private sector, tourism can become one of the leading drivers of economic growth, employment creation, and provincial and rural development in Solomon Islands,” he said.
Photo caption
Pictured at the official opening of Rua Koukomo Resort on Double Island (from L-R): Central Islands Province Premier, Hon. Kenneth Sagupari; Rua Koukomu Resort Owner, Michael Leong; Minister for Culture & Tourism, Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas, and Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Hon. Roland Seleso.
– Tourism Solomons
