Analyse of the sector 30/11/2010
Industry recovers from earthquake and tsunami

The tourism industry is in the process of recovering from the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami. Support from the government and foreign aid are providing the much needed assistance. Hotel operators in the hard-hit provinces of Gizo and Munda took little time to reopen because of the influx of personnel involved with relief and reconstruction activities. The rebuilding of roads, bridges and wharves would mean better infrastructure which can contribute to the development of tourism and other industries in the area.

 

Emerging markets are a new target

 

New markets that include China, India and Japan comprise the new potential targets for Solomon Islands’s marketing campaigns. The economic and social profile of the potential tourists from these countries appears to match with what the country has to offer.

 

Bottom-up approach to tourism development

 

A community-based, bottom-up approach is a government initiative that is designed to involve people at the grassroots in the economic development of rural areas. The scheme will provide financial support in the setting up of a business in various sectors including tourism. Ventures that would utilise local resources such as eco-tourism stand to benefit from this scheme.

 

Travel accommodation grows and improves

 

Despite the ill effects of the 2006 riots and the recent earthquake and tsunami, the accommodation sector increased its room capacity in 2007. While some are rebuilding or renovating, others are expanding and building new hotels. The total increase from 2006 is estimated to be approximately 100 rooms with a new 5-star hotel expected to be completed in 2008. The general trend in terms of quality standard is towards the top, i.e. luxury end and into the outer regions and provinces, in terms of geographical location.

 

Transportation infrastructure on the mend

 

The government is giving priority to the development of road and maritime infrastructure. A number of projects are being funded by the Asian Development Bank. The improved infrastructure is expected to benefit the local people as well as tourists in terms of safe, reliable and possibly more comfortable transportation facilities and services.