MINISTER for Culture and Tourism (MCT) and Member of Parliament (MP) for Gela Constituency says Solomon Islands should take pride of its tourism development.
Bartholomew Parapolo highlighted this while opening the 2015 Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting on Wednesday.
The theme for the two days meeting is; “Embrace Tourism for Sustainable Economy.”
In his opening address to welcome all provincial secretaries (PS) and provincial tourism officers, donors, and observers and seniors’ government officials, Mr Parapolo said, tourism is a very important sector for everyone in Solomon Islands and everyone should take pride of this industry.
“Tourism is a very important sector for everyone in Solomon Islands. The potential it has for the economic growth of this country is huge.
“We have seen in many Pacific Islands countries that tourism has contributed significantly to our economic growth and therefore we must take pride of this industry,” Mr parapolo said.
He said, Solomon Islands is still in a primary stage and the government is working very hard to ensure potential in the country are realised.
“I would like to tell everyone here today that Solomon Islands tourism industry is still in its primary stage. Therefore DCCG is working very hard to ensure our potentials are realised and can bring economic benefits to our people.”
He further highlighted that the two days tourism meeting is to forge closer ties with provincial government to work together in building this important sector.
“Your presence here today (yesterday) reflects the closing of the gap between national government and provincial government to ensure we work in harmony with our development aspirations,” the hard working Tourism Minister said.
By DENVER NEWTER
