Australia and Aromawan Religious Pilgrimage Partner to Grow Tourism in Malaita

Aromawan Religious Pilgrimage, is one of Malaita’s most visited tourism destinations. It is a family-owned business located around 90 minutes from Auki. Established in 1980, it has grown into Solomon Islands’ only religious tourism site with a strong international following and forms part of a global network of prayer centres.

The site hosts major annual events, including the Feast of the Tabernacle and Passover celebrations, welcoming more than 1,300 local and international guests each year. The site attracts 15 to 60 guests weekly, and demand for the destination continues to rise, with overall visitor numbers increasing by 40 per cent since 2024.

This is why the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership has partnered with them to expand accommodation on site to meet the growing demand from visiting tourists. The partnership will co-fund the construction and fit out of six new bungalows, increasing the business’s capacity to host guests and raise revenue. The increase in visitor numbers will also benefit surrounding farmers and fishers who supply organic produce for guests.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the partnership reflected Australia’s commitment to working with local tourism operators to bring more tourists to all parts of Solomon Islands.

“By co-investing in tourism infrastructure, we’re helping Indigenous businesses grow, creating jobs and more opportunities for communities, particularly in the provinces,” High Commissioner Roach said.

Member of North Malaita Constituency and Minister of Rural Development, Honourable Daniel Waneoroa said the partnership with Aromawan Religious Pilgrimage to construct and expand its accommodation will solve an immediate market constraint while unlocking future growth potential. 

“We look forward to strengthen this partnership further to boost tourism development at the provincial level, especially in North Malaita Constituency,” Minister Waneoroa said.

Michelle Maeliau of Aromawan Religious Pilgrimage said that existing accommodation is no longer sufficient to meet demand, limiting opportunities for further growth.

“The six new bungalows will enable us to accommodate more visitors, while also supporting the wider community by bringing more business to nearby farmers, fishers and transport operators,” Ms Maeliau said.

Expanding accommodation is vital to growing the country’s tourism sector. Australia is partnering with tourism operators across Solomon Islands to bring even more tourists, especially during these major religious events and occasions.

Source: Australia High Commission, Solomon Islands