Tourism Ministry Supportive of Domestic Tourism Cruises
BY ALEX DADAMU
MINISTRY of Culture & Tourism is fully supportive of the current organized domestic cruises under its cruise shipping program and product development program.
This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Andrew Nihopara with regards to the successful domestic Easter Cruise jointly organized by Wakabaut Travel Tours, MV Pelican Express, and Rodrick Bay Island Resort of Ngella, Central Province.
Nihopara said it is important to note that while the Tourism Ministry has these products (i.e. domestic tourism cruises) in its plans, it is the private sector that will drive the activities through their investments.
He reiterated that the Government supports the initiative by incentivizing the private sector.
“Since Wakabaut Tours and Pelican Express Shipping has come forward to develop this product, the Government through MCT is supporting Pelican Shipping’s plan to bring in a new vessel, which will increase the frequency of such domestic cruises.
“This support will be through facilitating exemptions on the new vessel, which will be used to also enable the company to participate with tourism operators develop cruise packages for inclusion in the domestic tourism bubble,” PS Nihopara explained.
Reports cited from the Solomon Star Newspaper this week highlighted Tourism Minister, Bartholomew Parapolo as echoing the same sentiments stating that the government is looking at promoting domestic tourism due to the challenges brought by COVID-19 to the local tourism industry.
The domestic Easter Cruise jointly organized by Wakabaut Travel Tours, MV Pelican Express, and Rodrick Bay Island Resort of Ngella, Central Province saw a boatload of local travellers from Honiara traveling to Ngella, spent a day at the resort.
Roderick Bay Beach Bungalow located in the beautiful Sandfly passage in West of Big Ngella in the Central Province lies Roderick Bay. Roderick Bay has three over-water bungalows consisting of 1 Double and 1 Single bed. Roderick bay is accessible by Boat and is a 1 hour 30 minutes boat ride from Honiara.
Activities on offer include:
• Snorkeling
• Village Tour
• Fishing (own gears)
• Paddling – Dugout canoe
• Island Picnic
• Bush Walk
• Sunset Cruise
• WWII Tours (on request)
• World Discoverer Wreck Tour
Meal prices are as follows:
• Breakfast: SBD 50
• Lunch: SBD 75
• Dinner: SBD 85
• Return transfer is SBD 2500. Boat maximum capacity is 6 people.
• Accommodation is SBD 275/person.
PHOTOS SOURCE: Rodrick Bay Beach Bangalow