Premier Billy Veo appeals to SolAir to improve services in light of growing arrival of tourists in the Western province
BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
WESTERN Province has recorded an encouraging rise in tourist arrivals over the past year, but frequent disruptions to domestic flights are threatening to undermine the gains made in the province’s growing tourism sector.
Speaking to Island Sun, Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo confirmed that tourism numbers have been steadily increasing since June last year, particularly in diving hotspots like Munda and Gizo.
“I travel to and from Honiara frequently. I saw many tourists coming to Western Province.
“Most are attracted to our pristine underwater world, our reefs and marine life continue to draw divers from across the globe,” he said.
However, Veo raised serious concerns about the reliability of air services to Western Province, especially the limited and inconsistent operation of Solomon Airlines’ Dash 8 aircraft.
“We have witnessed a number of flight cancellations. Tourists are getting frustrated when they miss their connecting international flights due to delayed or cancelled domestic services,” he said.
Veo stressed that the ongoing flight issues are tarnishing the country’s image and directly affecting tourism revenues for the province and the nation.
He called on the management of Solomon Airlines to urgently address the situation and improve flight reliability to Western Province.
Veo also renewed calls for Solomon Airlines to facilitate direct international flights to Munda International Airport.
“Having direct flights from overseas to Munda would ease the burden on tourists and boost the province’s economic growth,” he said.
Island Sun understands that Western Province is home to some of Solomon Islands’ most iconic natural attractions and is a key destination for the nation’s tourism ambitions.
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