Tourism a “catalyst” for the Solomon Islands’ economic future

Honiara, Solomon Islands – Underlining the importance with which his government views the tourism sector as a positive contributor and catalyst for the Solomon Islands economic future, Prime Minister the Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare has officially opened the 'Invest to Preserve' forum at the Heritage Park Hotelin Honiara.

Addressing the more than 200 delegates present on day one of the two-day event, including the Minister for Culture & Tourism, the Hon. Bartholomew Parapolo and senior representation from both the tourism and private sector, Prime Minister Sogavare said the "ball was now in our court".

"Tourism is a key driver for the economic future of this country and there is a need to find the right package to achieve our objectives and my government is seriously committed to promoting the Solomon Islands tourism sector," he said.

The Prime Minister's words were underlined by Minister for Culture & Tourism Permanent Secretary; Andrew Nihopara who said the forum presented the opportunity for "us to get it right."

The theme for the forum – 'Invest to Preserve' – has been chosen to reflect the conscious direction the Solomon Islands' tourism sector needs to pursue if it is to realise the tourism sectors potential in coming years.

A beyond credible line-up of speakers on day one included Governor and Chairman of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Denton Rarawa, who emphasised the current dearth of foreign investment into the tourism sector – currently around 5 per cent - and a need to address that situation.

Mr Rarawa's reflection on foreign investment was strongly echoed by South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) CEO, Christopher Crocker who pointed out that apart from Fiji, which has proven very successful in attracting foreign investment, most South Pacific countries including the Solomon Islands were falling well behind.

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