[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]
BY JUNELYN KELLY
A luxury expedition cruise ship, Hanseatic Inspiration, visited Langa Langa Lagoon in Malaita Province this week, bringing international tourists to experience local culture firsthand.
Speaking to Island Sun, Mr Bernard Dakero said the vessel carried about 180 passengers, mostly from Germany and Switzerland, as part of a cultural exploration voyage aimed at promoting immersive tourism experiences.
Dakero said during the visit, tourists landed in Busu and nearby coastal communities, where they participated in a range of traditional activities organised by Authentic Malaita Tours.
Activities included demonstrations of shell money making, traditional bridal gift ceremonies, and artificial island building—an indigenous engineering practice unique to parts of Malaita.
Visitors also took part in hands-on food preparation, learning local cooking techniques, while cultural showcases featured baru carving and face tattooing.
Traditional performances such as panpipe, Mao and Afai dances entertained the visitors, highlighting Malaita’s rich storytelling, music and cultural heritage.
Dakero said community leaders welcomed the visit, saying it plays an important role in preserving culture while creating economic opportunities for local people.
The tour marks the revival of cultural cruise visits to Malaita, which were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The return of such voyages reflects a growing trend in small-scale expedition cruising focused on meaningful, low-impact tourism that connects travelers with remote communities.
Passengers are expected to leave with a deeper appreciation of Malaita’s unique traditions and way of life.
Photo credit: Bernard Dakero
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