GREAT Government Delivers Landcruiser to Lake Tegano Tourism Operators
7 August 2026 – Honiara, Solomon Islands — Just hours after the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, announced the GREAT government’s commitment to support tourism operators at the Lake Tegano World Heritage Site during the Motion on the Speech from the Throne, the government moved quickly to turn that commitment into action.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has handed over a double-cabin Landcruiser to the Lake Tegano Tourism Operators Association (LTTOA) of Rennell and Bellona province to support its tourism operations and address transportation and logistical challenges faced by operators in East Rennell.
The handover took place at the Outback Hotel in Honiara on 7 August and was officiated by Minister Bonuga, alongside Deputy Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, Hon. Collin Tesuatai, and members of the provincial executive.
Also present were MCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro; Director of Tourism, Mr. Gregory Auta’a; LTTOA President, MPA Lence Tango; and members of the association.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Bonuga commended the tourism operators of East Rennell for establishing LTTOA, describing it as an important initiative demonstrating their commitment to developing tourism around the Lake Tegano World Heritage Site.
He said the GREAT Government is committed to an inclusive tourism policy that ensures rural and remote communities have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from tourism.
“The GREAT government sees great potential in tourism to create employment and generate income for our people,” Minister Bonuga said.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting indigenous businesses and encouraged LTTOA to continue working closely with the Ministry to develop tourism in East Rennell.
Minister Bonuga described the Landcruiser as a vital tourism asset and urged LTTOA to take good care of the vehicle and use it responsibly for the benefit of its members, visitors and the wider community.
Deputy Premier Tesuatai welcomed the support, describing the vehicle as a direct investment in tourism operations in East Rennell.
“By stepping in with the vehicle, the Ministry has directly addressed one of our biggest operational challenges. The vehicle will enhance accessibility, empower local operators and boost the local economy,” he said.
He applauded MCT for recognising the practical needs of rural tourism operators and said the support demonstrated that remote communities in Rennell and Bellona are not forgotten.
The handover highlights the importance of strong partnerships between the national government, provincial government, local communities and tourism operators in developing sustainable tourism.
Lake Tegano is one of Solomon Islands’ most significant natural and cultural assets. MCT will continue working with the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government, LTTOA and local communities to strengthen tourism and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the people of East Rennell.
Source: Ministry of Culture and Tourism
