A cruise-ship called the Spirit of Enderby from France visited Choiseul province recently for the third time this year.
The Cruise-Ship visit was organised by Destination Solomon Tour in Honiara. This is an annual visit and the third time in a row for the Spirit of Enderby to visit Choiseul Province. Such visit by Cruise-ship will continue to promote tourism industry in Choiseul and Solomon Island.
Reports said Choiseul province hosted Spirit of Enderby on the 21st of October, which brought tourists from different nationalities.
The Cruise ship carried an estimated 35 passengers on-board. Most of the tourists were in 40s-50s years and above.
The first port to berth is Choiseul province, before making its way to other parts of Solomon Islands. Most of the engaged activities which was enjoyed by the visitors and tourists were:-
1. Travel up to Sui River for bush walk and bird watching;
2. Warriors welcome;
3. Welcome remarks by host village representatives;
4. Short welcome speech by officer in charge of tourism division in Choiseul province;
5. Cultural dances from the community;
6. Crafts show/ sale by the villages;
7. Travel to Taro- site visit;
8. Visiting crafts show at women resources centres;
9. Local tour guides, who accompanied by the tourists to the visiting sites;
10. Snorkel at Parama Conservation area;
11. Cruise-up to water fall – Choiseul bay.
The tourists enjoyed the scenery, local attraction, beaches, kayaking, and meeting local people. Miss Susan a Spirit of Enderby staff mentioned that, Choiseul province is a peaceful place with the potential to attract both domestic and international visitors in the nearby future.
In its speech, Tourism Officer for Choiseul Province Qoso Carlmarx addressed the visitors, crews, Provincial Government, local key stakeholders and the people of Choiseul bay for availing Spirit of Enderby to successfully berth at the port calmly.
Thanks to the Provincial Police Officers (Taro Police Station) to accept the invitation for safety and security purposes prior to arrival time and departure of the visiting Cruise Ship- Spirit of Enderby.
Once again special thanks to the entertainers, the Choiseul bay warriors, cultural dancers, students, and the public who witness the day event, it was a successful one as both parties enjoy.
Mr Carlmarx further said, Choiseul province has unique culture and its diversity varies from different parts of the island.
In terms of Cruise tourism industry, Choiseul province has the potential to attract both domestic and international visitors from all over the world.
Spirit of Enderby has visitors on-board from Israel, Germans, Canadian, USA, Ireland and other parts of Europe.
“This shows that, tourism industry in Choiseul emerge step by step.”
He further addressed the visitors/ tourists, that Choiseul province is a peaceful place as Choiseul Province Vision proclaims- “Peaceful and Resourceful Province”.
This adds to the safety and security of the receiving visitors or tourists who feel part of the host community.
Mr Carlmarx mentioned that, the future industry is tourism, Choiseul provincial government prioritizing tourism industry as an alternative to logging and mining industry.
The tourism Officer in his final remarks, confirmed to the visitors, crews, facilitators, community, and the key local cruise-ship stakeholders, that Choiseul province is a top priority cruise destination where large Cruise-ship can berth at the port.
He further mentioned in a long run, as tourism officer for Choiseul province to support in awareness program to the local community, key cruise-ship stakeholders to develop a sense of ownership of the Cruise tourism industry.
