BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has assured commitment in reforming the tourism sector by empowering the private sector to take the lead in driving tourism growth in the economy.
The statement was made by Minister for Culture and Tourism, Choylin Yim Douglas, in response to a question raised by MP for East Choiseul Constituency, Manasseh Sogavare – in parliament last week, on the plan to reform and develop the country’s tourism sector.
The Minister explained that they have already developed a concept of built and leased tourism development model.
She added that the module will ensure government, through a public-private partnership arrangement will take the lead to finance construction of significant core hotel infrastructure.
Douglas said, this is according to specification of an international brand hotel noting that under this approach, government will also explore mechanisms for the government to hold equity through ICSI.
This will ensure long-term national ownership and revenue through dividend while allowing the private sector to drive operational excellence and market competitiveness.
Moreover, the minister emphasized that the direction of the reform will reflect Solomon Island’s chronic underinvestment in hotel and resort infrastructure.
She added that this is due to high capital development cost, which makes it unattractive for investors, limited access to finance, market-size concerns, land tenure uncertainty and fragmented investor confidence.
Douglas said the model de-risk investment will ensure land tenure security and accelerate the entry of global hotel brands into the Solomon Islands, creating jobs, revenue and confidence for further private sector growth.
“I would like to say again that the tourism and cultural sectors continue to be among the most promising industries capable of driving sustainable economic transformation.
“The achievements of 2025 and our strategic focus for 2026 demonstrate our readiness and commitment to support the national vision embodied in the 2026 budget theme,” the Minister said.
Photo: Supplied
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