Tourism Solomons has welcomed the decision of Solomon Airlines to relaunch its domestic travel program ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ in a timely manner, as the tourism sector is still in the process of recovery. Despite the better-than-expected Q3 and Q4 visitor numbers in 2022, the destination needs to put in more effort to reach its pre-pandemic 30,000 visitor arrival record in 2019.

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According to Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, the relaunch of the domestic holiday program will provide much-needed business for the tourism sector during the interim period while international numbers continue to build. The first phase of the program will feature ten air packages with properties in Gizo, Munda, and Seghe in the Western Province, and Suavanao in Santa Isabel. Additionally, land packages around east and west Guadalcanal and various options in Central Province are available, including packages tailored to the newly released Honiara – Tulagi Pelican Express high-speed ferry schedule.

The program is set to expand as more operators join the initiative, with bookings available from now until March 15, 2024. Flight and accommodation packages from the outer provinces to Guadalcanal are also planned for those wanting to travel to Honiara. The ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ program was initially launched in March 2021 as a joint effort between Solomon Airlines, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tourism Solomons, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Public Service to boost local operators’ business.

Solomon Airlines CEO, Gus Kraus

Mr Dereveke stated that while in place, the initial program had proven effective, playing a crucial role in keeping businesses afloat. ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ brought in much-needed revenue and kept people employed and fed, especially when the international border was closed.

Solomon Airlines CEO, Gus Kraus, expressed his excitement about being a part of the Solomon Islands’ largest-ever domestic tourism initiative. The relaunch of ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ offers the domestic market new opportunities to explore its own backyard through attractive holiday packages, while creating a platform for growing the local economy.

The airline has revised its domestic flight schedule in line with the program’s relaunch to meet anticipated demand and is ready to add supplementary capacity where necessary.

In conclusion, the ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ program offers a great opportunity for the Solomon Islands’ tourism sector to bounce back and recover from the pandemic’s impacts. It provides locals and visitors alike the chance to explore and experience the destination’s unique beauty, culture, and attractions while supporting local businesses. To take advantage of this offer, interested parties are encouraged to make their bookings immediately before the slots run out.

Written by: Stephen Morton

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