With the signing of the consent agreement this week between the eco-tourism operators at Roderick Bay in West Big Gela, Central province and Green Tourism Solomon Islands Ltd the development of the proposed holiday package for Tapuipui, Saurangi, and Roderick Bay is well underway.
A statement from Green Tourism said under the consent agreement, the five eco-tourism operators who are also landowners in the area granted their consent, and full support and cooperation for the development of the proposed holiday package for the area.
It also endorsed Green Tourism Solomon Islands Ltd to coordinate and manages the project in collaboration with the eco-tourism operators in the area.
Furthermore, the consent agreement allows Green Tourism Solomon Islands Ltd unrestricted access to the customary land and sea area in the course of carrying out the activities required for the project, the statement added.
“Green Tourism Solomon Islands Ltd has also developed a work programme and budget for the project as well as a timeline for completing the project.
“The project is part of the company’s business strategies and action plan for 2014 to develop local holiday package in identified tourism destinations in the country in collaboration with local eco-tourism operators and landowners.
“The underlying goal is to increase tourists and visitors’ arrivals to those local communities thereby increasing household incomes, job opportunities, markets for local produce and fish, support local economies, and contribute towards foreign exchange earnings in the national economy,” the statement said.
The Roderick Bay area was selected for the pilot project because of its proximity to Honiara City, natural attraction, excellent diving and snorkeling sites, spectacular view, sheltered harbour and yacht anchorage, existing eco-lodges and facilities, “World Discoverer” wreck, and the friendly Gela people and their unique cultures and traditions, the statement from Green Tourism said.
“The area offers the perfect holiday destination for eco-tourists who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a bit of privacy and plenty of space for a week or two.
“The Roderick Bay Hide-Away retreat, for example, has plenty of open space near the beach for yachties to pitch their tents for the night, lovely sandy beach and reef at low tide, spectacular view across the harbour, diving and snorkeling sites, plenty of mooring space for yachts and leisure crafts, and mountain hiking and bush walking for the adventurer.
“And there is the mystery behind the name “Roderick” after which the Bay was named, but that’s another story for another time.”
