BY BEN BILUA
SOLOMON Islands Visitors Bureau says more international visitors are attracted by the country’s diverse cultures.
In an interview with this paper, SIVB Sales and Marketing Manager Mrs Freda Unusi said the country’s culture and tradition continue to play a vital role in the country’s tourism industry.
She said most visitors are driven into the country by the country’s unique and diverse culture.
“Our survey last year shows that our culture is rated as the popular reason for visitors to come and enjoy in our country – followed by other products,” Unusi said.
Recapping on SIVB Visitors Survey in 2016, she said 38 percent of the visiting tourists visited the country just to rest and relax while 28 percent of all leisure-based arrivals are accounted for scuba diving.
Unusi adds that water-based activities including swimming and snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, shopping, hiking, sightseeing, culture, history in particular Second World War heritage remain among the top 10 reasons for visiting.
She stressed that one of the country’s biggest drawcards remains the friendliness of the people – a factor Stollznow describes as “compelling”.
Unusi said the country’s tourism industry is growing with visitors wish lists varied across reasons and interests to visit the country.
