Tourism is among the revenue productive sectors that can empower the economy of Solomon Islands, says caretaker Prime Minister Rick Hou.
Hou stressed this when speaking at the opening of the Solomon Islands Tourism in Focus, 2019 at the Coral Sea Resort and Casino, Friday.
He said the government is looking beyond the development that will benefit Solomon Islands economy apart from the logging industry.
However, this development should include the sustainability of resources in Solomon Islands.
“The alternative productive sector which government looks at is tourism,” he said.
The revenue income of the country is twinkling down and government is looking to promote tourism in wide scale for the alternative source to improve the revenue of the country.
“Tourism sector is the top priority in the country; it will be plugged in the revenue which will improve the economic gap for the country,” Hou added.
He said the Government has identified and has worked with its line ministry and other stakeholders to improve tourism in the country.
Meanwhile, the Caretaker Minister for Culture and Tourism Mr. Bartholomew Parapolo said his ministry is forward in positive money that will be generated from the tourism sector.
“Tourism in focus 2019 will help enhancing communication exchange between key stakeholders,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Andrew Nihopara has also announced that the 2019 budget for tourism is SBD$7.8M.
Tourism Solomons’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Josefa Tuamoto however said, elections will somewhat affect the tourism industry in the Solomon Islands.
“This is obvious in other countries like Vanuatu and Fiji,” he said.
He added data has shown that during election period, the tourism industry normally declines in terms of marketing.
“During the election the tourism market is scaled down,” he said.
That said, Mr. Tuamoto urged the new generation of Solomon Islands to work together to achieve better goals for tourism in the country.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
