Tourism Solomons has been formally recognised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association for more than five decades of continuous membership.
Accepting the award on behalf of the national tourist office at the PATA 2026 Annual Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Acting CEO Dagnal Dereveke said the recognition underscored not only the length of the Solomon Islands’ association with the organisation but also its long-standing commitment to regional tourism cooperation.
Originally established as the Solomon Islands Tourism Authority in the early 1960s, the country’s relationship with PATA pre-dates Solomon Islands gaining independence from Great Britain in 1978.
The release said this places the national tourist office in a unique position as one of the very few tourist boards holding PATA membership while operating under British colonial administration.
Mr Dereveke paid tribute to the many leaders who have played major roles in shaping the sector over the decades.
He recognised chairpersons, board members, general managers and former CEOs, and acknowledged the teams who over the years have helped, and continue to help, carry the Solomon Islands tourism industry through periods of growth, major challenges and transformation, both regionally and globally.
These leaders include former CEO, the late Josefa “Jo” Tuamoto, who earned strong recognition for Solomon Islands on the international tourism stage.
The release said Tourism Solomons also received major recognition when Mr Tuamoto was invited to join the PATA executive board in 2019.
Mr Dereveke also cited fellow Solomon Islander and former Ministry of Culture and Tourism Permanent Secretary Andrew Nihopara, who in 2009 was named PATA’s “Face of the Future” while serving as the South Pacific Tourism Organisation’s Marketing Manager.