Tourism That Works for Solomon Islanders
Growing tourism in the Solomon Islands means more than attracting visitors—it means creating real opportunities for communities, jobs for locals, and a stronger economy in the long term.
This week, leaders from government, development partners, and the private sector came together as part of the Tourism Investment Task Force to accelerate progress on the Accessing Land for Tourism Investment Facilitation (ALTIF) project. Their goal? To make it easier—and more attractive—for responsible tourism investment to take root in the Solomon Islands.
From exploring the future of the Agnes Gateway Hotel in Munda, Western Province, to shaping policies around building over seawater, the latest Task Force meeting focused on progress in removing roadblocks to tourism investment.
Permanent Secretary Bunyan Sivoro of the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, chair of the Task Force, praised the momentum so far, especially in addressing barriers to accessing land and improving coordination of investments across ministries. With continued support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the country is on track to welcome new tourism projects that benefit local communities.
“Tourism has the potential to be a major engine of growth for the Solomon Islands,” said MCC’s Charles Jakosa. “Our role is to help unlock that potential in ways that benefit both investors and everyday Solomon Islanders.”
This work also reflects the U.S. commitment to advancing economic partnerships that promote regional stability and open new opportunities for American businesses—a win-win for both the Solomon Islands and the American people.
The ALTIF Tourism Investment Task Force is helping lay the foundation for a tourism sector that’s investment-ready, community-focused, and built to deliver long-term results.
Photo Credit: Roger Dakamae
Primary Photo From Left: Kezia D'Orazio, Team Leader, SITHP-CCPS. Joseph Waleanisia, Senior FGR Facilitator, SITHP-CCPS. April Livingstone, Project Support Officer, DT Global. Brian Lenga, Permanent Secretary, MNPDC. Bunyan Sivoro, Permanent Secretary, MCT. Damien Little, Director, Hotel Planning and Development, Horwath HTL in Australia. Jenny Barile, Director for External Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade. Jonathan Taisia, Chief Tourism Investment Officer, MCT. Andrew Nihopara, Board of Directors, Solomon Airlines. Bjorn Svensson, Advisor, MCT. Arina Terry, Operations Manager, Tetra Tech. Florrie Alalo, Team Leader, Tetra Tech.
