Minister for Culture and Tourism (MCT) and Member for Gela Constituency in Central Island Province has expressed his sincere thanks to citizen of this country who have supported the development of tourism.
Bartholomew Parapolo highlighted this when he delivered his official speech during the official launching of the National Tourism Strategic Plan 2015-2019 at National Museum last Friday.
Mr Parapolo said, his Ministry thanked citizens of this country and operators who are supporting the tourism industry in Solomon Islands.
“Let me acknowledge the people of this nation for being great partners in our nation building and for their contribution to the development of our tourism industry.
“They are our greatest asset and I am confident that we all will work together to build this industry for the benefit of our future generation,” Mr Parapolo said.
He thanked people and operators for gracing the official launching on Friday that showed their commitment with DCC government to develop tourism industry.
“On this note, let me once again thank you all for gracing this occasion with your presence and I hope we’ll continue to work hand in hand with the DCC Government to develop our Industry in years to come.”
He also acknowledged Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare who was a guest at the ceremony for being a leader who has great vision for people in terms of ownership the process and responsibility that comes with action for development.
“I must say here ladies and gentlemen that this is a leader (PM) that has great vision for our people in terms of our ownership the process and the responsibility that comes with our action for development. I salute you PM.
He further noted that tourism is everybody’s business and it is very encouraging to note the presence of the Prime Minister and the DCC Government, the presence of the Opposition and Independent Group in Parliament, the diplomatic community and the tourism industry operators and stakeholders.
“Our collective effort to develop this very sustainable sector is crucial and the occasion today manifest the cooperation we all must promote to realize our economic goals.”
He said, the traditional welcome ceremony witnessed on Friday was also a testimony that culture is a very important fabric of Solomon Islands in terms of our development aspirations.
“It is an important component that must be recognized to give importance to all our efforts in our nation building.
“And in tourism, it is an important and unique product that great value to the tourism industry of Solomon Islands. That is why we sometimes adopt the slogan, culture in harmony with tourism and tourism in harmony with culture,” the tourism Minister said.
Attending the event was Deputy Prime Minister, Douglas Ete, Cabinet Ministers, Leader of Opposition, Leader of Independent, heads of diplomatic missions, heads of regional and international organizations, private sector representatives, tourism operators and senior government officials.
By DENVER NEWTER