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Minister for Tourism underlines Solomon Islands potential to key Australia audience In what represents the most high-ranking tourism mission ever to visit Australia, Solomon Islands Minister for Culture and Tourism, the Hon.
Bartholomew Parapolo has personally led a senior team of government and tourism officials to meet with key potential investors, travel media and travel industry representatives in Sydney and Brisbane this week.
Addressing several of Australia’s most important travel publishers, editors and journalists at a working lunch held in Sydney’s Darling Harbour yesterday (Wednesday 04 August), Minister Parapolo drew focus to the efforts the Solomon Islands Government is going to in order to upgrade existing tourism facilities, hotel rooms and service delivery to ensure they meet international market standards.
His Ministry, he said, is continuing to work closely with tourism operators in the accommodation sector, local transport and tour operators to raise the standards and quality of services and facilities via the establishment of a system of quality standards backed up with financial assistance.
“These upgrades are vital in order to enhance the competitiveness of the Solomon Islands as a major tourist destination,” he said. Minister Parapolo also drew reference to the many opportunities the hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games presents to the destination in terms of new infrastructure and hotel construction.
Focus was also brought to bear on the recent expansion of the Honiara International Sea Port and Carnival Australia plans on bring in eight large cruise ships in 2017 and planned reforms for the civil aviation sector which will see the eventual corporatization of Honiara International Airport and a major upgrade for Munda Airport.
The Minister was joined by Permanent Secretary Andrew Nihopara, Director of Tourism Barney Sivoro, SIVB Board Chairman, Wilson Ne’e and SIVB CEO, Josefa Tuamoto and the Solomon Islands High Commission’s Ms Jenny Barile who travelled from Canberra to join the official party.
While in Australia the Minister also held meetings with key potential investors in Sydney and a number of senior travel industry and Australian aviation representatives in Brisbane.
Source: etbtravelnews.com
