STAKEHOLDERS and private sectors have been called on to come out and support the work of the Solomon Island Visitors Bureau (SIVB) as marketing arm of Solomon Islands Government.
Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) John Wasi highlighted this when he opened SIVB strategic workshop at Heritage Parke Hotel on Tuesday.
Mr Wasi said, the SIVB strategic planning workshop is an opportune time for all stakeholders to come together to discuss important matters of mutual concern to all of us.
“This morning, it is pleasing to see a range of participants in this workshop and it is a reflection of how important this workshop is to us and especially when we are trying to consolidate our efforts to develop our Tourism Industry.
“As I have said on many occasions, tourism development in this country cannot be achieved by one person or one institution. It can be achieved through consolidated efforts from all of us – both the private and public sectors,” Mr Wasi said.
Mr Wasi told stakeholders and public private sector reps who attended the workshop, the current DCC Government places high priority in tourism development, marketing and promotion of Solomon Islands as a destination is crucial on our agenda.
“Since coming into power, the DCC government provided a substantial amount of support to SIVB for its work programs. We are looking for the same in the future.
“For one thing is clear ladies and gentlemen. SIVB as an institution has been working so hard to promote our destination and they have come a long way, facing great challenges and attaining significant outcomes.
“The road is not easy as they have to learn more to be supported and we have seen significant results so far this year, despite the challenges encountered.
“The workshop today is a time for us to reflect on how best we can assist SIVB to tailor its strategic plan for the next 5 years. It is a time that we as a team provide constructive, robust and proactive ideas on how we think SIVB should progress in future.
“I am pleased to see a wide range of experts in this workshop and I believe you all will provide constructive contribution to the issues presented herein,” Mr Wasi said.
He said, Solomon Islands must be promoted as one of the top destinations in the region.
“It is time that we consolidate our team effort to ensure these opportunities are turned into benefits. We must create synergies with other public and private sector stakeholders to ensure that our strategies sing the same tune.”
By DENVER NEWTER
