Australia Partners with Wilderness Lodge to Boost Tourism in Marovo
Australia is partnering with Wilderness Lodge to enhance tourism and attract more visitors to the Marovo region.
Under the Solomon Islands – Australia partnership, Australia is supporting Wilderness Lodge with critical infrastructure upgrades to improve the lodge’s accommodation and overall amenities.
Wilderness Lodge is investing heavily in its recovery efforts by repairing the jetty and lodge roof, ongoing bungalow upgrades, landscaping, boat maintenance, and improvements to water storage systems.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the partnership reflects Australia’s long-standing commitment to inclusive economic growth in Solomon Islands.
“Through our partnership with Wilderness Lodge, we’re supporting the recovery of Solomon Islands’ tourism sector by helping revitalise one of the country’s most iconic destinations. This initiative is also creating jobs and economic opportunities for local communities in Marovo,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
Waelinah Rose Howell, Managing Director of Wilderness Lodge, welcomed the support and emphasised its importance to the lodge’s long-term sustainability.
“This partnership with the Australian Government comes at a crucial time for us. The upgrades will not only improve the guest experience but also help us provide more employment and business opportunities for nearby villages. We’re excited to welcome more travellers back to Marovo,” Ms Howell said.
The support to Wilderness Lodge is part of Australia’s Marovo Hub initiative that is also supporting two additional tourism operators in the region: Vanua Kino and Pepele Eco-Lodge. Both are receiving targeted assistance to improve accommodation facilities, raise service standards, and expand tourism-related activities. Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is providing assistance and building workforce capability through tour guide and first aid training. These efforts aim to deliver a coordinated and high-quality visitor experience across the lagoon.
The Marovo Hub tourism support is the third in a series of targeted investments by Australia to revitalise key tourism hubs across Solomon Islands. Following similar hub models in Munda and Auki, the Marovo Hub support seeks to strengthen tourism capacity, stimulate local economies, and promote sustainable growth. Through improved connectivity and strategic investments, Marovo is being positioned as a premier destination, delivering long-term benefits for jobs, income generation, and community development.
Source: Australia High Commission Press Release
