Honiara, Solomon Islands –The Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT), Tourism Solomons and Honiara City Council (HCC) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to increase domestic tourism opportunity for the national capital and environs.
The MOU builds on an ongoing MCT/Tourism Solomons strategy aimed at boosting the country’s domestic tourism numbers, in the process increasing revenue-based opportunity for the country’s severely-impacted tourism industry.
At the same time the strategy is intended to encourage local hoteliers, other accommodation operators, transport providers and tour companies to bring their product up to MCT minimum standard guidelines and best practice to be on the front foot when international travel resumes.
Key points emanating from the meeting include plans to identify and develop new cultural, experiential, and soft adventure-based product in Honiara and beyond, to other parts of Guadalcanal with the onus very much on weekend stays and day trips.
The round-table discussions also included plans for increased Second Appointment Day celebrations a new festival focusing on the region’s unique culture and additionally, preparation for the many opportunities and benefits the province stands to reap in its capacity as the main hub for the 2023 Pacific Games.
The Tourism Solomons team has held similar meetings in recent weeks with senior regional government officials and tourism operators in Malaita and Central Province.
Attached image: Pictured from left to right, Tourism Solomons marketing officer, Brenden Mautoa; HCC director of tourism, Jefferson Patovaki Junior; HCC cultural officer, Bridget Masiala; HCC tourism officer, Hazel Soreh, and Tourism Solomons senior licensing officer, Barbara Tutu.