Solomon Airlines in partnership with Tourism Solomons and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has launched Solomon Islands largest ever domestic tourism initiative called ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’.
The domestic tourism program across 11 destinations in 8 provinces offers a year-long program of massive savings on holidays throughout 2021 to support the local industry and encourage greater travel throughout the Solomon Islands.
The holiday specials go on sale today (1 March 2021) and will remain on sale until 28 February 2022 for travel throughout 2021 through to 31 March 2022.
Close to 40 accommodation operators are participating in the campaign which offers savings of up to 50% at accommodation around the country combined with Solomon Airlines discounted airfares.
The ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ tourism initiative was unveiled to the travel industry at Tourism Solomons ‘Tourism in Focus’ event last week and will be followed by a national marketing campaign.
“The responses from operators keen to participate have been extraordinary, and it is very clear how much our tourism industry needs all of our help,” said Colin Sigimanu Commercial Manager for Solomon Airlines.
“With international borders remaining heavily restricted, ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ is designed to get our country moving for the benefit of all, offering clear value and an easy booking process.
“An important objective is to encourage people to explore more of our country beyond the usual destinations and to discover new parts of the Solomon Islands, which in turn is helpful to more remote tourism operators,” he added.
Discounted airline seats for ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ bookings have been allocated on all Solomon Airlines flights to participating destinations.
“This is the most seat availability Solomon Airlines has ever offered for any program in our history,’” Mr Sigimanu said.
“We have also created a dedicated Holidays Reservations unit purely to assist passengers, making it easy to find out more information and to book.”
The ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ packages are available with pricing for singles, couples, groups and families with exceptional deals for groups of four or more passengers.
To allow maximum flexibility, the specials will apply for stays through to 31 March 2022 and no travel blackout dates or periods apply throughout the year. Passengers need only make their holiday flight bookings at least 7 days in advance of departure.
Jo Tuamoto CEO of Tourism Solomons said the tourism initiative was a key outcome of the tourism organisation’s five-point tourism recovery strategy.
“Our support for ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ is an integral part of the five-point tourism recovery strategy announced last July which in the short term, is aimed at boosting our country’s domestic tourism numbers and in the process, increasing revenue-based opportunity for our struggling operators,” he said.
“Tourism represents a key economic driver and it is vital for our future that we maintain our domestic industry,” he said.
“While we wait for the reopening of international borders, Tourism Solomons will continue to maintain focus on promoting domestic tourism,” he said.
The ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ packages all include return flights with stays from 3-nights to a maximum of 7 nights based on availability.
Depending on individual properties, many also include complimentary inclusions such as airport transfers, daily meals, complimentary guided nature and island tours, and use of dugout canoes, SUPs, kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Examples of lead-in packages (including return flights from Honiara, accommodation and more) include:
3 nights in Auki from SBD$2072 per adult at BH Transit Lodge based on 3 guests
3 nights in Rennell from SBD$2210 per adult at Moreno Guest House based on 4 guests
3 nights in Marau from SBD$2587 per adult at Conflict Bay Lodge based on 2 guests
3 nights in Kirakira from SBD$2618 per adult at Sea View Rest House based on 3 guests
4 nights in Seghe from SBD$2634 per adult at Pepele Eco Lodge based on 4 guests
3 nights in Fera from SBD$2705 per adult at Ghaseali Resort based on 2 guests
3 nights in Munda from SBD$2752 per adult at Zipolo Habu Resort based on 4 guests
3 nights in Gizo from SBD$2824 per adult at Uriaupo Beach Resort based on 6 guests
3 nights in Suavanao from SBD$3028 per adult at Noguna Island based on 2 guests
3 nights in Kagau from SBD$3404 per adult at Tagu Eco Lodge for up to 4 guests
7 nights in Lomlom from SBD$5106 per adult at Ngarando Island based on 4 guests
Prices may vary dependent on the number of guests staying. For further details, or to book contact the airline’s dedicated Holiday Sales team on (677) 36362 or email holidays@flysolomons.com
The ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ flyer can also be downloaded and more information is available at www.flysolomons.com/iumitugeda