PM Sogavare Reassures Stakeholders of Commitment to Tourism
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare reassured key stakeholders in the country’s tourism sector that his government is committed to maximizing the economic benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic hit the industry.
He was addressing the key stakeholders of the ‘Tourism in Focus 2023 Summit’ at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, on February 9, 2023.
Prime Minister Sogavare said the advancement of COVID-19 in the Solomon Islands has dramatically interrupted tourism growth prospects in the Solomon Islands, however, in terms of policy response, it is critical that government works hard to ensure our local industry does not perish and that all proper measures be taken.
“Our policy shift has become necessary to prioritize how best to limit the impact of covid19 and control community transmission while maintaining an economic turnover and protecting the welfare and wellbeing of Solomon island citizens.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare speaking at the ‘Tourism in Focus” Summit in Honiara last week. Photo Sourced: Visit Solomon Islands
“With positive reassurances coming from all sectors we reopened our borders and our pristine environment and natural attractions place tourism as the next potential driver of our economy,’’ he said.
He recalled that the country’s local tourism sector is the first and hardest hit sector by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The virus has triggered the most serious economic crisis experienced and government intervention was credible.
“So the consequential and necessary public health measures which our Government put in place had induced the unintended consequences to the industry and our economy and the business community.
“Following the slot of the pandemic in 2020, the government tries its very best to support the industry through the economic stimulus package that aims to keep the economy afloat.
“This includes the injection of ten million dollars in support to the sector, additionally the government in partnership with the ministry of culture and tourism, ministry of public service, and ministry of civil aviation and Tourism Solomons introduce the ‘Umi Tugeda Holidays Domestic Tourism Bubble’ that continue to support some of our operators and our local airlines.
“Hence it is critical that government works hard to ensure our local industry does not parish and that all proper measures be taken.
“In terms of Policy response, it was clear that while recognizing the dangers of the pandemic, we also understand it would be present for some time,’’ he added.
