With Solomon Islands’ borders reopening soon, Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to support the country’s tourism sector following the recent signing of a funding arrangement of NZD$550,000 (SBD2.8m) between New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT).
The agreement will support the recovery of the tourism sector after the challenges that have accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic with an aim to drive a growing, sustainable, and inclusive tourism sector in Solomon Islands.
It will support the MCT to:
- continue working with operators to use COVID-19 safety protocols and keep visitors safe;
- drive the development of tourism products and minimum standards, including investing in key national tourism assets ahead of the Pacific Games; and
- improve sector coordination.
The arrangement will complement the outstanding work currently under way to support the recovery of the tourism sector.
High Commissioner Jonathan Schwass noted the importance of partnership in rebuilding the tourism sector.
“New Zealand has been supporting tourism since 2017, because we see the tourism sector as critical to economic development in Solomon Islands, particularly in the provinces. This arrangement represents a new chapter in New Zealand’s support to tourism, and we are excited to be seeing this work progress.”
Source: Press Release