Solomon Islands Minister for Culture and Tourism, the Hon. Bartholomew Parapolo has capped off what represents the most high-ranking tourism mission ever to visit Australia with a key address to a group of senior travel industry management in Brisbane.
The main thrust of the Minister’s visit to Brisbane two-fold.
Firstly, to underline the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to marketing the destination with much-need additional funding.
And secondly, to send a strong and very clear message to the Australian travel industry that his government is ready and willing to work with key stakeholders to promote and build the destination’s tourism sector.
Industry representatives attending the event included Solomon Airlines, Brisbane Airports Corporation, Virgin Australia Airlines and Virgin Australia Holidays, Expedia, Go Tours/Surf The Earth, Ignite Travel Group, Flight Centre Group and consolidators.
The Minister was joined by Permanent Secretary Andrew Nihopara, Director of Tourism Barney Savoro, SIVB Board Chairman, Wilson Ne’e and SIVB CEO, Josefa Tuamoto and SIVB marketing office, Stella Lucas.
The Brisbane event concluded the week-long mission which also saw the Minister address several of Australia’s most important travel publishers, editors and journalists and meet with key potential investors while in Sydney.