Solomon Islands Tourism Sector Celebrates World Tourism Day
BY ALEX DADAMU
A major ‘Iumi Tugeda’ branded event to celebrate the World Tourism Day has been organized today with partnerships amongst Tourism Solomons, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT), Solomon Airlines, the National Association of Inbound Tour Operators (NAOITO), Solomon Islands National University (SINU), and tourism operators.
The event which should be marked on 27th September was delayed in order for the Solomon Islands travel industry and community to pay their respects to the late Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto who passed away recently.
With the theme for World Tourism Day 2021 ‘Tourism for inclusive growth, the event was staged at the Solomon Islands National University School of Tourism & Hospitality Grounds with activities starting at 8.00 am this morning.
In his keynote address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Andrew Nihopara, emphasized the importance of inclusiveness in the development of tourism, especially in the current pandemic period.
A statement by Tourism Solomons said, the annual event this year is promoted as a ‘full day of tourism awareness’, and an event traditionally geared towards giving the public more awareness into the local tourism industry, its importance to the local economy, and how the tourism sector markets the destination, both overseas and domestically with the current Solomon Airlines ‘Iumi Tugeda’ holiday program packages to be on full display.
Students from various schools in Honiara also attended the occasion and were benefited from significant information provided by the information booths being set up by each organization.
Each organization gives an hour-long presentation between 11.00 am and 3.30 pm, afterwards, the event concluded with a Solomon Airlines ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays Packages’ prize-draw at 4.00 pm and cultural dancing performances by the SINU Tourism students.
