𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐈𝐄 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬-𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Tourism Solomons has commended Solomon Airlines for its decision to introduce a weekly trans-Tasman flight between Auckland and Brisbane, a move hailed by Acting CEO Dagnal Dereveke as a game-changer for the country’s tourism industry.

The new service, set to commence on February 21, 2025, will operate as a return flight every Friday, offering seamless same-day connections to the key Munda-Western Province tourism corridor and Honiara.

According to Mr. Dereveke, this development eliminates the long-standing inconvenience travelers face to destinations such as Munda, Gizo, Seghe, and Suavanao, who were often forced to stay overnight in Brisbane due to mismatched flight schedules.

This breathtaking aerial view of the stunning islands in Munda, Western Province, was captured during a Solomon Airlines flight. It showcases the beauty and tourism potential of the Solomon Islands.

“This was a hugely positive move for Munda, Gizo, Seghe, and Suavanoa-bound passengers traveling via Brisbane. In the past, due to non-matching schedules, many had been required to book at least one night’s accommodation in Brisbane on one leg of their journey.”

From Tourism Solomons’ marketing perspective, Mr. Dereveke highlighted that the new trans-Tasman service represents a significant opportunity to strengthen Tourism Solomons’ efforts in New Zealand. This market saw a steady annual growth of 5% in visitor numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post-COVID New Zealand arrival numbers have remained steady, largely due to Tourism Solomons’ ongoing high-profile trade marketing campaigns, which continue to directly reach front-line travel agency sales staff and potential wholesale partners.

Tourism Solomons has also actively engaged with New Zealand consumers and media through initiatives such as the International Media Visitation Program (IMVP), which has delivered substantial coverage of the Solomon Islands’ attractions. These include cultural experiences, World War II history, birdwatching, diving, sports fishing, and surfing.

An annual Auckland media luncheon program, running successfully since 2014, has further amplified the Solomon Islands’ profile among New Zealand media outlets. Plans are already underway for the next luncheon, scheduled for June or July 2025.

The new trans-Tasman flights are expected to increase the number of Kiwi tourists and create opportunities for growth within the Solomon Islands’ tourism sector.

Mr. Dereveke noted that the increased visitor flow can generate new tourism-related job opportunities, particularly for young people while boosting the local economy.

“This development is not just about convenience; it’s about driving long-term benefits for our tourism sector and communities,” he said. “But we must stay proactive to ensure our message resonates with Kiwi travelers and the travel industry.”

Tourism Solomons is optimistic that the new flight service will catalyze further growth while enhancing the Solomon Islands’ reputation as a must-visit destination.

“Beyond this exciting announcement, we are confident the new trans-Tasman flights will prove a catalyst for increased numbers of Kiwi tourists and have a positive impact on the country’s tourism sector,” Mr Dereveke said. “Much still needs to be done to make sure the message hits home with Kiwi consumers and the travel industry - and stays there.”

The launch of the trans-Tasman service marks a significant milestone for Solomon Airlines and the Solomon Islands’ tourism sector, promising to open new avenues for growth and development.

Media Release | Tourism Solomon