SURF’S UP: Solomon Islands and Australia Catch Bigger Waves Together with Support to Kagata Village

-

Solomon Islands’ tourism sector continues to grow, with Australia's latest announcement of support for its partnership with Kagata Village Surf Camp.

Established in 2010, Kagata is a community-led surf and sport fishing tourism lodge in northwest Isabel province. Its pristine environment, vibrant marine life, and world-class surfing and fishing have attracted surfers worldwide to the Solomon Islands.

However, the increased demand from surfers has outpaced the lodge's size, especially during the peak surf season. Kagata’s two bungalows accommodate seven guests, which has meant it has had to turn away surfers at times due to the limited space and resources.

To address these challenges, Australia is funding the construction of an additional guesthouse and purchasing a new boat to transport surfers. Kagata will cover construction costs and purchase an outboard motor.

Emily Flahive, Economic Counsellor of the Australian High Commission, and Annie Leketo, Managing Director of Kagata Village Surf Camp, meet to discuss the new partnership supporting Isabel’s tourism sector. 

Australia’s partnership will double Kagata's capacity, cater to larger groups of surfers and sport fishing enthusiasts, and create more jobs for locals.

Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia it was great to see Kagata Village Surf Camp expanding its unforgettable tourism experience in Isabel.

“By partnering with Kagata Village Surf Camp, we are excited to highlight this unique region and its surfing potential to the world while benefiting the local community directly. The new guesthouses and boats are crucial investments to enhance Kagata’s offering to become an even more attractive destination for tourists and contribute to the local community.”

Annie Leketo, the Managing Director of Kagata Village Surf Camp, said the new facilities would significantly benefit guests and the community.

“With this support, we can welcome more visitors and share the beauty of Isabel with the world, all while creating more job opportunities for local people and supporting local businesses,” Ms Leketo said.

Revenue from Kagata Village Surf Camp’s tourism activities, such as handicraft souvenir sales and seafood for the restaurant, flows back into the community, supporting artisans and fishermen. Tourists are also encouraged to contribute to community projects with donations towards local schools and educational resources.

Kagata’s expanded facility will help to strengthen its position as a significant surf and fishing destination in the Pacific, furthering the Solomon Islands’ reputation as an emerging ecotourism destination in the region.

This latest support for Kagata Village Surf Camp follows other investments made by Australia in the local diving industry and demonstrates why Australia is the Solomon Islands' nambawan tourism partner.

Media Release | AHC

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Benjamin Afuga’s Journey as a Social Media Influencer

-
Image
Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in Honiara, Solomon Islands, inspires young people to leverage social media for positive change. As the founder and chief administrator of the Yumi Toktok Forum, Afuga’s journey from a passionate young man to a leading social media influencer showcases the potential for individuals to shape their communities using digital platforms. Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in the  Solomon Islands Afuga’s early life was deeply rooted in the rich culture and supportive community of the Solomon Islands. Influenced by the teachings of his parents, the church, family, friends, and the local community, he developed a passion for humanity and community engagement that set the stage for his future endeavors. “My journey into social media began with a desire to promote and share our wealth, unique culture, and voice with a wider audience. I realized the power of social media as a tool for posit...
Read more

Wendy Kealau: Bringing Global Insights Home from China’s E-Commerce Frontier

-
Image
For Wendy Kealau, a young Solomon Islands entrepreneur and the proud owner of Wendy’s Delicacy’s catering business, attending an international e-commerce seminar in Qingdao, China, was more than just a professional trip, it was a transformative journey that expanded her vision for local entrepreneurship. As a financial member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), Wendy has been steadily carving out a name for herself in the local business scene. But her recent trip to China opened her eyes to new possibilities and offered powerful lessons in innovation, resilience, and the power of global thinking. “I wanted to understand how one of the world’s largest economies fosters innovation, scales businesses, and builds resilient infrastructure,” Wendy explained. “Being surrounded by entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders from all over the globe gave me a broader perspective on what’s possible for us here at home.” A Global View, A Local Heart Wendy’s exposure to Ch...
Read more

𝟭𝟯 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗖

-
Image
Thirteen young entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) have strengthened their business and customer service skills after completing a Collaborative Customer Care course with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). The training, facilitated by APTC and organized by YECSI, aimed to equip young business owners with essential customer service strategies. Nine young women business owners were among the 13 participants, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. The two-day intensive training gave participants valuable insights into effective communication techniques, conflict resolution, and customer loyalty strategies—all crucial for delivering high-quality service and enhancing customer satisfaction. Wendy Kealau, owner of Ezen’s Catering, Fashion, Entertainment, and Tiamaria Pub (Red Door), highlighted the vital role YECSI plays in supporting young entrepreneurs and how the training has positively impacted parti...
Read more