ONE of the top holiday destinations in Gizo, Western Province, is rebounding into action following the reopening of the international borders in July this year.
This means local and international guests are arriving in numbers again to enjoy the services being offered at the resort.
The Island is situated about two kilometres from Gizo.
Speaking in an interview with the Solomon Star Gizo on Tuesday, the Manager of the Imagination Island Resort, Alphonse Waleronoa said they are slowly picking up with the arrival of more overseas guests since the reopening of the international borders after the COVID-19 lockdown.
Mr Waleronoa said they received a few overseas guests last Friday and two more on Monday this week and are happy to accommodate these guests because it is the first time for them to receive overseas guests again after the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions.
He said, the pandemic period was a very tough time for the resort.
“Of course, it’s challenging for us to get back from where we left after the borders were closed.
“However, we are hoping to receive more international guests towards the end of this year,” Mr Waleronoa said.
Mr Waleronoa said for a start in this post COVID-19 era, a total of six international visitors is something remarkable.
He said in the past months, they received local guests at an average of two local guests each month and that helped them maintain the services they provide.
“It’s really hard to pick up again from where we begin and fully run the resort like in the past years due to lack of financial assistance to upgrade some of our accommodations and areas that need to be repaired.
“Nevertheless, we are so glad that we have new guests coming in. So slowly but steadily, our operations are getting back on track,” Mr Waleronoa said.
Imagination Island Resort currently offers services like room accommodation, bar services, kitchen, boat ride, housekeeper gardener, fishing trip and other activities.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
