A NEWLY launched inland lodge has opened its doors for guests after a successful opening on Wednesday.
Paringiju Inland Mountain eco-Lodge was located at Belaha highlands over Tenaru School, in Central Guadalcanal.
The Paringiju Inland Mountain Lodge has formally opened in front of hundreds of locals this week.
Among the invited guests were Sir Paul Tovua, Honorable Peter Shanel (MP for Central Guadalcanal), staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and also the Chairman and staff of the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB).
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Andrew Nihopara was part of the official launch event on behalf of the Minister Bartholomew Parapolo.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr Nihopara congratulated the owner of the lodge Steve Riniu. He said the completion of the project was a reflection of Steve’s perseverance to get where he is today.
“Today is a dream and vision come true for you because of your strong determination to succeed. And you have set a fine example for others to see and learn from”
“Today you establish yourself as a member of the tourism industry. So may I say welcome to the tourism industry,” PS Nihopara said.
Mr Nihopara added, while there are challenges ahead for Riniu, he already changed the trend for tourism to establish a mountain inland lodge.
“Through the assistance from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the government is proud to be part of this success story.
“From the Ministry’s viewpoint, this is a kind of development it wants to support with resource owners,” the PS added.
It was understood that, the location is accessible to the targeted markets. It was located close to the famous Tenaru waterfall, caves, and nature lovers will like it.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
