Solomon Islands Tourism Makes Historic Push at SPTE 2025

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Tourism Solomons has led the country’s largest-ever delegation to the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE), taking a decisive step to boost the Solomon Islands’ visibility in the global travel market. 

Tourism Solomon team who participate in the recent South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) in Fiji. Photo by Tourism Solomon & Solomon Airlines

Held at the Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, SPTE 2025 brought together nearly 150 international travel wholesalers, retailers, and agencies. Seizing the moment, “Tourism Team Solo”—comprising 19 representatives from across Guadalcanal, Western Province, and Malaita—engaged in more than 40 business-to-business appointments. 

 

“We must be seen to grow,” says Teama 

 

Tourism Solomons Head of Sales and Marketing Fiona Teama described the event as a crucial milestone. 

 

“Participation in SPTE and other global trade shows is vital to regaining and surpassing the record visitor numbers we saw before the pandemic,” Teama said. “SPTE gives us a direct channel to connect with international buyers, strengthen existing ties, and attract new partners.” 

 

Teama emphasized that visibility at such events plays a key role in creating new business opportunities and growing the country’s tourism economy. 

 

Strong local industry support 

 

Tourism Solomons also acknowledged the growing interest from Solomon Islands tourism stakeholders who continue to support the country’s international marketing push. 

 

This year’s team included Solomon Airlines, Western Solomons Tourism, Guadalcanal Travel Services, Travel Solomons, Agnes Gateway Hotel, Qua Roviana Hotel, Titiru Eco-Lodge, Parangiju Mountain Lodge, and Authentic Mala Tours. 

 

“We are extremely grateful for the increasing support from our industry colleagues,” Teama said. “Each year, more local operators are joining us on these missions.” 

 

Tourism rebound gains momentum 

 

The high-profile appearance at SPTE follows promising visitor statistics released by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) in April. 

 

International arrivals for January–March 2025 climbed to 5,612—a 14.5% jump from the 4,903 recorded in the same quarter of 2024. It marks the strongest growth in inbound travel since 2019. 

 

Showcasing the best of the Pacific 

 

Organised by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), SPTE is the Pacific’s leading travel trade show. It offers island destinations a chance to showcase their unique tourism products and services to key global markets. 

 

For the Solomon Islands, the 2025 event reinforced the country’s ambition to reclaim its place as one of the region’s most authentic and unexplored travel experiences. 

 

Media Release | Tourism Solomon 

 

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