Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says he was saddened to see a number of incomplete tourism establishments in Makira /Ulawa Province.
Sogavare said this when he officially opened day two of the council of Tourism Ministers Meeting last Thursday in Honiara.
Provincial tourism ministers, provincial Secretaries and provincial tourism officers attended the meeting.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB), Our Telekom and Heritage Park Hotel sponsored the event.
Sogavare said that he was saddened to see a number of tourism establishment in Kirakira still incomplete when he visited the province to officiate at their second appointed day.
“I just returned from Kirakira on Wednesday for the provincial second appointed celebration there,” he said.
“While I am encouraged by the willingness of our people to participate in this sector, I am saddened to see a number of resorts and tourism related infrastructures there are still incomplete,” he said.
“This is the same in other parts of the country.
These people have responded to the call by the government to participate in the sector only to find themselves left to swim in the ocean of confusion,” Sogavare said.
He asked the participants what had gone wrong with this incomplete tourism projects.
“What may have gone wrong with this incomplete tourism project?
“I would like to believe that provisions of accommodations and product preparations are important components of our tourism development and must be given equal attention.
“Since I am talking about Makira, with the Banana festival coming up in three weeks’ time in Kirakira, the demand for accommodation will put tremendous pressure on the limited supply of rooms in the provincial headquarters.
“This is one of the many issues which I believe requires the attention of the council in this meeting, and comes under the strategic approach to tourism related infrastructure development.
“The question is how do we want to approach that aspect of our tourism development to achieve our goal?”
Sogavare assured the council of tourism minister meeting that the government will continue to provide support for tourism development despite challenges the industry faces.
“Today I would like to reassure you all that the DCC Government will continue to provide you with the right impetus for our development aspiration.
“What I would like to ask from all of you is to focus your efforts in this industry, be inclusive in your approaches, create synergies and be realistic in your goals.
“Put yourselves in the shoes of Solomon Islanders who are willing to actively participate in the industry, feel their problems and think strategically on how to deal with these issues.
“The strength of our development is within you and I ask you all to be loyal to what we are doing.
“Of course I appreciate that tourism is not only about visitors arriving, it is about creating opportunities for our people.
“It is about empowering our people to be self-reliant and believing in ourselves.
“I am pleased that my Minister for Culture and Tourism has taken this initiative to host this meeting for all of us, to discuss important issues pertaining to our tourism sector and to dream for a better Solomon Islands.”
By DENVER NEWTER
