The Chairman of Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) welcomes the resolution reached between Fiji and Solomon Islands in resolving the air impasse.
Wilson Ne’e said it was welcoming news that the saga was resolved amicably to ensure the tourism industry is not affected.
“During the flight impasse, arrival of tourists from the USA here declined.
“Operators that normally receive tourists from the USA, especially divers were badly affected since they depended very much on the USA market,” Mr Ne’e said.
He said SIVB is happy that the problem was resolved because the number of tourist arrival from the USA will increase again.
“Now that the issue has been mended, I’m optimistic that tourist arrival here should increase again.
“This is a positive start for tourism industry especially when the current government also prioritised tourism.
“Therefore on behalf of the SIVB, we would like to thank the government for taking a very positive step in resolving this air impasse which positively affect the tourism industry again.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon Milner Tozaka has signed an agreement with Fiji’s Supervising Minister for Aviation and Communications, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney General and Minister of Civil Aviation of Fiji this week which resulted in the resolution.
This was following a fruitful discussion of issues pertaining to air services between the two countries.
Fiji and Solomon Islands have agreed, with immediate effect, to lift the suspension of air services between the two countries and to allow the designated airlines of both countries to resume air services.
During the signing ceremony, both countries have agreed that Air services between the two countries will continue to be undertaken in accordance with the 1990 Air Services Agreement and a 2010 Memorandum of Understanding.
By DENVER NEWTER
