TOURISM operators in Marovo Lagoon, Western Province have been urged to build standard and simple accommodation.
Officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) highlighted this during a two days tour to some of the tourism operators within the Lagoon last week.
The aim of the visit was to give MCT and SIVB firsthand information about tourism development in the area and also encouraged operators to build a simple and not fancy accommodations.
Director for Tourism Barney Sivoro told operators to seek advice from tourism experts or visit other operators if they plan to build a lodge and accommodation.
“Many operators build accommodations that are not up to standard and very costly because they fail to seek advice from tourism experts or visit other accommodations to get ideas,” Mr Sivoro said.
Mr Barney however acknowledged those operators who seek advice and visit other operators’ facilities before kicking off their business.
He advised those who wants to start their own accommodation business to also seek advice from the Ministry and the Visitors Bureau.
Managing Director for Sea Lodge in South Marovo Jeremier Loleko who hosted a delegation on Wednesday night at his lodge thanked the delegation for their visit.
“I would like to thank the Minister for Culture and Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo for coming down to visit us and empower us with government’s plan.
“In the past we never have such Minister of the crown visiting us and staying with us in our lodge.
“This is the first ever Minister who visit rural operators, eat and sleep with us which we really appreciate and look forward for his support in the future,” Mr Loleke said.
Last week the delegation visited and inspected seven accommodations in Marovo Lagoon namely, Ropiko Resort Wilderness Lodge, Timbara Eco-lodge, Minado Eco-lodge all in Gatokae. Uepi Resort (North Marovo Lagoon), Kahaini Lodge (Marovo Lagoon), Mavo Lodge (North New Georgia), Sea Lodge(South Marovo)and new tourism operators in Seghe station (Marovo Lagoon).
By DENVER NEWTER
