TOURISTS praised the 2014 Artificial Island and Shell Money Festival held in Langalanga, Malaita, over the weekend.
And they encouraged the Solomon Island Visitors Bureau (SIVB) and Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) to make the eventan annual one.
On Saturday people from Busu and nearby villages in Langalanga Lagoon came together in numbers to witness the inaugural opening of the 2014 Artificial Island and Shell Money Festival.
More than $12,000 have been spent during the event.
Some operators from Honiara also attend the festival to get necklaces and shell moneyto be resold in Honiara.
During the festival, tourists expressed how impressed they were to the government delegation led by Tourism minister Samuel Manetoali.
They said the festival showed a true culture and identify of people where tourist need to know more about.
“The festival was really interesting because it depicted a true culture and the people’s identity,” one tourist said.
“We encourage the government to make the event an annual one.”
Meanwhile, Mr Manetoali thanked the tourists for their positive comments and feedback.
He said the government is supporting tourism related developments in the country.
By DENVER NEWTER