Coronavirus pandemic has hit the SI tourism industry hard

Coronavirus pandemic has hit the SI tourism industry hard

Posted by : Frank Short Posted on : 13-Apr-2021

Early last month it was revealed the country lost more than $350million in revenue from international visitors last year due to international border closure.

Ms. Fiona Teama, Head of Marketing and Sales at Tourism Solomons said tourism has contributed significantly to the economy of the country for the past years.

She recalled in 2019, the country recorded more than 30,000 visitors which brought in close to $400million in revenue for the country’s economy.

However, at the beginning of last year from January to March, only 4000 visitors arrived before the borders were closed one year ago.

This year, with the ongoing closure, revenue is expected to be at its lowest, she added.

Ms. Teama admitted that many tourism operators have been impacted by the lack of visitors visiting them.

Therefore, in a move to support local tourism operators a joint initiative by Solomon Airlines, the Public Service Ministry, and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, called ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ was approved by Cabinet and is now operational.

Tourism Solomons is also supporting the initiative. 

This holiday package includes; a discounted airfare to any holiday destination within SI, accommodation, and activities that are available.

The Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Andrew Nihopara has explained, the initiative is important as part of supporting the airlines, tourism operators, and the government given the travel restrictions.

He said, given the decline in revenue and visitors' arrival, it's important to support the local tourism operators.

Source. Island Sun newspaper.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

www.solomonislandsinfocus.com 

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