27 Jan 2014

New tourism CEO for Solomon Islands

9:14 am on 27 January 2014

The Solomon Islands Government has appointed a Fijian to the tourism industry with the aim of making the industry a top foreign income earner in 10 years' time.

The Minister for Culture and Tourism, Samuel Manetoali, says the appointment of Mr Josefa Tuamoto as the new CEO for the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau will bring a wealth of experience in marketing Solomon Islands to the world as a tourism destination.

The Government says the tourism industry continues to struggle to increase visitor arrivals each year but having someone like Mr Tuamoto is a step in the right direction.

The Government says its long-term plan is to have tourism help finance some essential services like health and education.

Mr Tuamoto says there is a lot of potential in Solomon Islands and it is crucial for all industry partners to work with a common goal in order to raise the industry to newer heights.