Solomon Islands is gaining strength in its tourism industry with significant boost in tourist arrivals.
The Destination Solomons Travel & Tours Limited confirmed to Solomon Times on a number of tourist vessels to pass through the Solomons through the year.Executive Secretary/Tour Consultant of DestSolo Travel & Tours, Christina Setiano, said that the company has received confirmation from eight tourist boats to travel to Solomon Islands.
The visits start as early as this month, January, with 'Spirit of Oceanus' currently in Arnavon Island/Kia, Isabel Province and expected to be in the capital city tomorrow for a 5 hours stopover.
'Spirit of Oceanus' will be in the Solomons waters for 4 days, making its last stopover in Tikopia Saturday before leaving the country.
Reports received on schedule for visiting tourist boats for 2009 have confirmed that tourists will be flocking the country right up to the end of the year.
Peak month for Solomons tourism will be March with confirmation on another visit by 'Spirit of Oceanus' and five other tourist vessels to visit parts of the country including Honiara.
The public welcomed the announcement stating that this will be a good boost to the decline in the country's tourism sector since having encountered social problems over the past years.
"This is a good sign of recovery for Solomon Islands and people should take pride in maintaining the peace we have now achieved," Jimmy Riria, 48, from Malaita Province said.