BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
THE diversity of culture across Solomon Islands puts the country’s tourism market in the strong selling point, it is reported.
The Solomon Islands National Tourism Development Strategy 2015 – 2019 highlights that diversity of culture in the Solomon Islands is immense and provides the destination with a strong selling point.
It said Solomon Islands have unique aspects of culture that is appealing to international visitors which made them want to visit Solomon Islands.
Specifically number of unique aspects of high appeal includes the Solwata People in Malaita and Temotu, the Pan Pipers from Malaita, Isabel and Guadalcanal.
Moreover, the Polynesians culture of Rennell and Bellona and People of the Sea from Vonavona and Roviana is one aspect of interest that attracts tourists coming to Solomon Islands as well, it said.
“Cultural shows are irregular and are not currently major draw-cards for tourism, although performances are often undertaken for visiting tourists.”
Yesterday, tourists packed the National Museum with much interest in cultural designs such as carving, necklaces, history of Solomon Islands and the paintings.
Despite the situation Honiara faced with the bomb defusing yesterday, tourists enjoyed their time around the city under the good care of Destination Solomons and SIVB.
Minister for Culture and Tourism Mr Bartholomew Parapolo said tourism sector plays an increasingly vital role towards Solomon Islands’ economy.
He said tourism is becoming one of the drivers of economic growth, in terms of an ever-increasing foreign exchange earner, contributing direct, indirect and induced employment to many Solomon Islanders and contributes a fair percentage to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
“Tourism is here to stay and as the Government continues to search for a sustainable path towards economic development, tourism is seen as one of the most likely viable economic option for our developing country,” Parapolo said.
