The Solomon Islands is experiencing a tourism boom, marking its most robust visitor numbers since 2019, with a remarkable surge in international arrivals during the first half of 2024. The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) revealed that the island welcomed 11,333 international visitors from January to June 2024, a 26.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This surge in visitors marks the best second-quarter result the country has seen in over four years, narrowly missing the pre-pandemic high of 12,742 arrivals in 2019. Tourism Solomons, the national tourism office, attributes this success to targeted marketing efforts and growing demand from key source markets, particularly Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Australia and PNG Lead Visitor Surge
Australian visitors, who have traditionally dominated international arrivals to the Solomon Islands, showed a solid increase of 7.2% year-on-year, climbing from 3,490 to 3,743. This rise represents 33% of the total visitor intake, reaffirming Australia’s critical role in driving island tourism growth.
However, the standout performer in the visitor data is PNG, which saw an astonishing 106.7% increase in arrivals. PNG visitor numbers skyrocketed from 572 in Q2 2023 to 1,172 in Q2 2024, highlighting the growing business and leisure travel links between the two nations. The steep rise is particularly notable, as it showcases the success of Solomon Islands’ targeted marketing campaigns in the region.
Dagnal Dereveke, Acting CEO of Tourism Solomons, attributed much of the success to strategic marketing efforts. “While we have focused a lot of our attention on the Australian and New Zealand markets, it’s clear that our efforts in Papua New Guinea are paying off,” Dereveke said. “The consistent growth from these key markets presents a tremendous opportunity to further expand our activities.”
Expanding Opportunities for Local Operators
Tourism Solomons sees this growth as more than just a numbers game; it is a gateway to new opportunities for local tourism operators. The increase in business travel, particularly from Fiji and PNG, opens doors for domestic operators to tap into niche markets by catering specifically to business travellers.
Fiji, another important source of visitors, recorded a 23.6% growth in arrivals during Q2 2024. With a significant number of Fijian and PNG expatriates residing in Honiara, the capital city, there is a considerable visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel segment that local businesses can capitalise on. Dereveke emphasized the importance of this trend, noting that it represents a substantial potential market for growth.
“With the large numbers of Fijian and PNG citizens living in Honiara, the VFR element from these countries offers a huge opportunity for our local industry,” Dereveke added. “We are confident that by continuing to engage these markets, we can strengthen our tourism sector and provide further opportunities for domestic operators.”
Looking Ahead: 2024 Poised for Continued Growth
With the tourism sector recovering following the pandemic, the Solomon Islands is positioning itself as a premier destination for leisure and business travel. As international borders open and travel demand increases, the country is set to continue benefiting from strategic marketing, business-oriented travel, and the appeal of its unique, unspoiled landscapes.
As Q3 approaches, the focus remains on maintaining this momentum, with a concerted effort to expand marketing activities in key regions while exploring untapped opportunities. The Solomon Islands is poised to make 2024 its best year for tourism yet, with local operators eagerly awaiting the continued influx of international visitors.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
