Indicative of the impact strong combined national tourist office and national airline marketing efforts are having in eastern Australia, the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau reports “being overwhelmed” with the interest shown at a major travel event taking place in Sydney last week.

SIVB CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said he was “extremely gratified” with the large number of Australian tour operators and travel agents making a beeline for the Solomon Islands stand at the 2015 Travel Industry Exhibition at the iconic Luna Park.

“It was a far different scenario this year compared to the 2014 event when we only attracted appointments from just 17 registered buyers,” Mr Tuamoto said.

“The SIVB team in action reported being overwhelmed with the interest shown and were kept busy for the entire two-day event.

“The recent Sydney SIVB/Solomon Airlines radio advertising campaigns, highly targeted advertising in key publications and websites and travel-related news and the efforts of the team both on the ground in Australia and here in Honiara have really made their mark.

“I can say with confidence that the Solomon Islands is well and truly on the map - but we need to maintain our focus.

“While we are enjoying our share of the spotlight and starting to score some goals, it has become even more important for the SIVB and its industry partners with full government support to re-double our combined efforts to ensure we consolidate these achievements.”

Designed to connect buyers and suppliers of travel products and services from across the globe, the trade-only 2015 exhibition this year attracted more than 1500 pre-registered industry professionals and hundreds of walk-in industry visitors over the two days.

Source: SIVB