GNUT Partners With Private Sector to Boost Tourism
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has provided modest financial assistance to support hotel development, recognizing the urgent need to increase the availability of tourist accommodation nationwide in response to a rise in visitor arrivals.
The latest assistance has been directed toward the Double Island Resort, locally known as Rua Kokomu Island Resort, located in Central Islands Province. The resort is owned and operated by Pacific Casino Hotel, a long-standing tourism operator in the country. The reopening of Rua Kokomu Resort marks a significant step in expanding the nation’s inventory of international-standard accommodation.
Delivering her keynote address, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Honourable Choylin Douglas, praised the resort’s proprietors, stating that their investment in Ngella “…demonstrates trust in our people, our land, and our future.”
Minister Douglas acknowledged the scale of the private sector investment while describing the government’s financial contribution as symbolic.
“It represents the government’s commitment to stand alongside serious and genuine investors who are prepared to take calculated risks to develop our tourism infrastructure,” Honourable Choylin stated.
She emphasized that development extends beyond physical infrastructure to include service excellence. The Minister encouraged resort management to invest in “…staff training, customer care, and consistent quality delivery.”
Honourable Choylin Douglas also called on the people of Central Province to seize opportunities arising from the resort’s operations, including “…employment, small business linkages, supply of fresh produce and seafood, transport services, and cultural performances.”
She further urged the local community to support the investment and collaborate to ensure the resort’s long-term success.
Recent statistics indicate a total of approximately 4,385 beds across hotels, resorts, and guesthouses nationwide. Earlier estimates placed the count at 2,055 rooms and 3,529 beds. These figures remain modest given the country’s growing international profile, fueled by features from renowned travel writers, bloggers, YouTubers, celebrity visitors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, and the natural beauty of the nation’s flora and fauna.
According to the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO), total visitor arrivals in 2024 reached 25,130, of which 8,437 were holiday tourists. The ratio of tourists to available beds highlights the pressing need for expanded accommodation capacity.
The government has set an ambitious target of attracting 100,000 visitors annually by 2035, a goal that will require a substantial increase in bed capacity to accommodate the anticipated influx.
In the previous week, the government also supported the newly opened Zaru Hotel in Gizo, Western Province. That project represents a $32 million investment, with the government contributing a modest portion while the investor financed the majority.
The newly reopened Double Island Resort (Rua Kokomu Island Resort) is expected to become fully operational in the coming weeks.
Later this year, the government will host the Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase the country’s hospitality and the natural beauty of its islands.
Source: GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT MEDIA RELEASE
