Central Province Premier Celebrates Tourism Milestone
BY KREINER TUKALI
Honorable Premier for Central Province, Kenneth Sagupari, officially opened Rua Koukomu, better known as Double Island Resort, last Friday, 6th March 2026, in a ceremony that acknowledged the past and present traditional leaders and landowners.
Speaking at the event, Premier Sagupari described the opening as “a significant milestone in Central Province’s journey towards inclusive growth through tourism development.” He said the province’s natural beauty, rich culture, colonial history, and World War II sites make it a prime destination for visitors.
“Tourism is one of the key drivers of economic growth,” he said. “Investing in quality tourism infrastructure like Double Island Resort will directly benefit our people by creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, and showcasing our province’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty.”
Double Island is located near the historical capital of Tulagi, offering visitors a chance to explore Central Province’s three beautiful island groups: Gela, Savo, and Russell. Premier Sagupari highlighted that once these sites are properly resourced, they could become the next hub for tourism in the Solomon Islands.
The opening of Double Island Resort marks a promising step for Central Province as it seeks to become a leading tourism destination while empowering communities and celebrating its heritage.
The Premier also praised the national government for its support through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. “I once more seek the National Government’s support, enabling us as a province to fully utilize tourism and cultural potential,” he said. “When this potential succeeds, the people of Central Province will proudly tell the stories of our rich histories.”
Premier Sagupari stressed community-led development, encouraging local entrepreneurship and environmental preservation. “Double Island Resort is more than just a business; it is a symbol of what is possible when we work together toward a common goal,” he said.
He congratulated the resort’s owner and management board for reaching this milestone and assured them of the provincial government’s support. “We will continue to support Central Province in building tourism. We will deliver, and we will not let you down,” he said.
