BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has expressed its delight with the growth of the tourism industry in the country.
The growth reflects strategic initiatives undertaken by the ministry through its 2025 Budget Support Programme for tourism operators and its overarching tourism policy.
Speaking at the official opening of the upgraded Raiders Hotel in Tulagi last Friday, Minister for Culture and Tourism, Choylin Douglas, highlighted the ministry’s support under the initiative.
“Under the initiative, the ministry supported several major local operators to upgrade and expand their tourism facilities so they can become market-ready and compete in the tourism market.
“These include Parangiju Inland Mountain Lodge in Guadalcanal Province, Zaru Hotel in Gizo, Western Province, and Double Islands and Raiders hotels in Central Islands Province,” she said.
The ministry said it is very pleased with the outcome, achievements, and the strong partnership created between the government and local tourism operators.
“Together we have worked to upgrade tourism facilities to a level where they are now ready to receive more visitors. In that process, we have fostered growth in the sector in our country.
“Supporting large and local investors is also very important because they help improve the scale, capacity and quality of our accommodation sector,” she said.
The minister further stated that apart from these major investments, the ministry also supported almost 30 small local tourism operators across the country.
The support ranged from accommodation, tour services, transport and other tourism-related businesses.
“We are pleased to see many of them already enjoying improvements in their operations. I am aware that many more operators are still seeking support from the government.
“I want to assure them that the ministry will continue to support projects that are considered viable and contribute to the broader goals and objectives of the industry this year and in the coming years,” Douglas said.
The minister also commended these developments, noting that many are taking place outside Honiara, helping to strengthen tourism products in the provinces and provide better experiences for visitors.
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