Solomon Islands Strengthens Tourism Presence at Regional Trade Event

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Solomon Islands tourism sector has reinforced its international presence, with a strong showing at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026, completing more than 60 scheduled business appointments with nearly 150 international travel wholesalers, retailers, and agencies.

Led by Tourism Solomons, a 19-member “Tourism Team Solo” delegation represented a cross-section of the country’s tourism industry, including Solomon Airlines, hotels, resorts, and tour operators from Honiara, Western Province, and Malaita.

Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke (pictured sixth from left) and the Solomon Islands tourism delegation attending SPTE 2026, proudly wearing their ‘Tourism Team Solo’ uniforms.

The event was hosted at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa in Nadi and brought together global travel buyers and Pacific tourism operators in what is widely regarded as the region’s premier travel trade platform, organised by the Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Acting CEO of Tourism Solomons and delegation leader, Dagnal Dereveke, said the strong participation demonstrated the sector’s united commitment to expanding the Solomon Islands’ footprint in the global travel market.

“SPTE remains one of the most important platforms for the Solomon Islands tourism sector to showcase the destination to the world,” Mr Dereveke said. “Our participation ensures we stay visible, competitive, and firmly connected to the global travel trade.”

He added that the engagement had enabled the delegation to build new relationships, strengthen existing partnerships, and position the Solomon Islands as a destination ready for business.

The delegation’s participation builds on growing momentum within the sector, including new hotel developments and the recent “Strategic Transition”-themed Tourism in Focus conference held in Honiara.

Also, part of the delegation were representatives from the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association, including Taflabana Guesthouse and Betzia Arts & Crafts. The group showcased locally made products such as traditional shell money, highlighting the country’s unique cultural identity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.

Mr Dereveke also acknowledged the support of the Australian Government-funded Strongim Bisnis program, which enabled participation from operators in Western Province.

With more than 60 business engagements completed during the exchange, Tourism Solomons views the outcomes as a strong indicator of future growth opportunities, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s continued recovery and expansion on the international stage.

 

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