The owner of newly opened Zaru Hotel in Gizo Western Province is calling on local tourism operators in the Western Province to work together to strengthen the industry and attract more visitors to the region. Speaking to the Solomon Star in an interview during the grand opening of his hotel on Tuesday, Jacob Kwan, said…
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…
Plans are progressing to complete key development projects at the Bloody Ridge National Historical Park in Central Guadalcanal, as efforts continue to strengthen its status as a leading heritage and tourism site in the country. Joan Sautehi, Tourism Officer with the Tourism Division of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture and Tourism, confirmed during the…
…. OF SLIPPING TO NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FATF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP STANDARD—PSDI SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—Solomon Islands faces a risk of slipping to non-compliance with global beneficial ownership standards unless reforms are implemented, according to a new report published on Tuesday by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI). Enhancing Beneficial Ownership Transparency in the Pacific:…
Munda International Airport in Western Province is continuing to record gradual growth in passenger arrivals from Brisbane, Australia, operated by Solomon Airlines, following its international opening in October 2023. Commercial Manager of Solomon Airlines Limited, John Wopereis, shared the update during the Tourism In Focus event in Honiara on Thursday 19th February. Mr. Wopereis said…
The Solomon Islands has generated approximately $730 million (USD90 million) in tourism receipts in 2024. This represents an increase of around $400 million (USD49 million) compared to 2019, the pre-COVID-19 period, when the government collected about $330 million (USD41 million). Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Philip Sukibuka, confirmed this during his…
MALAITA Province is planning to undergo significant push to strengthen its agricultural sector, with backing from international partners. This was revealed last week by Malaita Provincial Secretary Erick George during a press tour organized by the Japanese embassy. Speaking to the media, George highlighted the province’s commitment to agriculture as the backbone of its local…
The tourism landscape of Gizo, Western Province has reached a significant milestone with the official opening of the Zaru Hotel as part of its phase one development. In a ceremony held on Tuesday 24th February was filled with pride and local celebration, the Proprietor’s wife, Judith Kwan—speaking on behalf of her husband, Chief Jacob Kwan—declared…
Kuma backs rural reset as new CEMA CEO Colin Yow leads reform drive The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma, has announced a firm “Farmers First” reform push to reset the rural economy, saying Solomon Islands cannot build national prosperity while the rural majority continues to miss out. With around 74…
Honolulu, Hawaii – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP, speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, called for purposeful investment and stronger security at the Pacific Agenda Summit in Honolulu today to advance regional development. Delivering the opening address at the Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security and Shared…