Wale Proposes an Ambitious Tourism Agenda for Solomon Islands
BY CHRIS ALEX
FORMER MP for Auki/Langalanga Constituency and wing leader of the CARE Party, Mr. Matthew Wale, unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at developing the untapped tourism sector in the Solomon Islands.
Speaking at a recent launch of the Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment (CARE) Party in Honiara, Wale emphasized that while the Solomon Islands boast some of the most perfect and unexplored landscapes in the world, they have yet to attract the same level of tourism as neighboring Fiji.
“We have more to offer than Fiji,” said Wale. “Yet Fiji receives 1 million tourists annually, while the Solomon Islands barely see 30 thousand. There is an urgent need for the country to capitalize on its potential in the tourism sector.”
The Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), led by Matthew Wale, and the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP), led by Rick Hou, have partnered to form the Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment (CARE). The coalition will run a campaign under the slogan “We Care.”
Wale outlined his party’s vision, stating that a CARE government would prioritize investments in 15 five-star tourist establishments across the country. This strategic move, he argued, would create economies of scale, driving down travel costs and attracting larger numbers of tourists from various cities around the globe.
“Our aim is to create an additional 3000 direct jobs through these initiatives,” Wale announced, highlighting the potential socio-economic benefits of a thriving tourism industry.
Importantly, Wale assured that the proposed developments would be undertaken with careful consideration for environmental conservation. “They will not harm our environment,” he affirmed, “but rather foster their flourishing.”
The announcement has sparked optimism among stakeholders, with many viewing it as a pivotal moment in the Solomon Islands’ quest to emerge as a premier tourist destination in the Pacific region.
