By Mike Puia
THREE tourism operators were presented awards recognising their service in the local tourism industry.
The operators are; Heritage Park Hotel and Chester Rest House in Honiara and Titiru Ecolodge in Rendova, Western Province.
The awards were presented at the ‘Tourism in Focus’ closing dinner in Honiara on Tuesday.
The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) award, which was the main tourism business award of the night, was presented to the Heritage Park Hotel.
The Small tourism operator’s award was presented to Chester Rest House and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism award was presented to Titiru Ecolodge.
Heritage Park Hotel’s General Manager, Sanjay Bhargava, said it is a nice feeling to be recognised and to be awarded a prize.
“We have done our duty and fulfilled statutory obligations by paying bed levies dutifully and on time. It is kind of SIVB to recognise this and show its appreciation,” Bhargava said.
He said Heritage Park is mindful of the fact bed levies are the only source of income for SIVB and the industry needs to supportive their cause since they are marketing the country.
“Heritage Park Hotel is also one of the many hospitality stakeholders who stand to benefit from SIVB’s success,” Bhargava said.
He said their efforts to be known on the world tourism map would not happen without SIVB help.
Bhargava added they will continue to abide by our laws and support the SIVB.
The one day Tourism in Focus event in Honiara on Tuesday brings tourism operators and stakeholder partners to discussion with Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Solomon Airlines and the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau what they will focus on this year.
