MCT and TS Team Deploys to Choiseul Province to Assess Cyclone Malia’s Impact on Tourism
TARO, April 27 – A joint team from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and Tourism Solomon (TS) deployed to Choiseul Province on April 24, to assess the impact of Cyclone Malia on local tourism operators.
The team will spend one week on the ground, visiting affected businesses and tourism sites across key areas of the province, including Taro, the southeastern part of Choiseul, and the Shortland Islands. The mission aims to evaluate damage, identify immediate needs, and gather data to inform recovery support for the sector.
Upon arrival, the team paid a courtesy call to the Premier of Choiseul Province. During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Premier on their planned program and reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to supporting Choiseul’s tourism industry in the wake of the devastating cyclone.
Director Project, Mr. Hudson Kaefia, conveyed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Minister and the Permanent Secretary of Tourism. “We stand with Choiseul during this difficult time following the devastating cyclone that hit the province,” Mr. Kaefia said. He further assured the Premier that the national tourism authorities are committed to ensuring affected operators are not forgotten in the recovery process.
The Premier welcomed the team and expressed gratitude to the Ministry and TS for their swift response. In his remarks, the Premier acknowledged the disaster recovery plan from GNUT government under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on the importance of the tourism sector to Choiseul’s local economy and highlighted areas where support is most urgently needed. He also reiterated the provincial government’s readiness to work closely with the team throughout the assessment. Carlmax Qoso, Provincial Tourism Officer, will accompany the team throughout the assessment trip.
The team will compile a detailed report based on their findings, which will be submitted to relevant authorities to guide recovery efforts and resource allocation. They are scheduled to return to Honiara on Sunday 3rd May .Our other tourism team are also deployed to Western Province
Source: Ministry of Culture & Tourism
