The close-knit Solomon Islands tourism industry and wider South Pacific tourism community is in mourning following the sudden death of Tourism Solomons Board Chair, Robson Tana Djokovic, who has passed away in Honiara.
A native of Choiseul Province, Mr Djokovic first joined the then Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau in 2017 when he was appointed to the national tourist office’s board.
He was appointed Deputy Chair in 2019 and to the Chair in July 2022.
Tourism Solomons CEO (Acting) and Head of Corporate Services, Dagnal Dereveke, currently in Christchurch, New Zealand attending the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) board meeting and annual South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) said he was unable to comment on the exact circumstances surrounding Mr Djokovic’s passing.
“This is all so sudden for us and has come as quite a shock,” Mr Dereveke said adding that his organisation was doing everything it could to help Mr Djokovic’s family at this sad time.
Mr Dereveke’s comments were echoed by Pacific Tourism Organisation Chair, Mr Petero Manufolau who, speaking on behalf of all the heads of Pacific tourist bureaus gathered in Christchurch, expressed his deepest condolences to the Djokovic family.
Mr Djokovic was high profile on the Solomon Islands politic scene, serving as Chief of Staff to the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
He was also well known in local business circles where he was involved in the management of several family-owned and run commercial operations.
