The earthquake and tsunami which struck the Western Solomon on 2 April 2007 resulted in $4 m losses for the Solomon Islands tourism industry as the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau reported. In…
The earthquake and tsunami which struck the Western Solomon on 2 April 2007 resulted in $4 m losses for the Solomon Islands tourism industry as the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau reported. Inspite of these losses, the tourism industry in the Western Solomon is set to fully recover within a relatively short period. Already, most of the accommodation and dive operators in and around Gizo and Munda when interviewed confirmed they have re-opened for business.
A few are operating at half the capacity but are determined to get back to full capacity in a few weeks time. The quick recovery by the accommodation and dive operators in Gizo was greatly assisted by the resumption of Solomon Airlines flights to Gizo immediately after 2 April 2007. In Gizo telecommunication and electricity are reported to have been fully restored, although water shortage is still a problem which has affected Paradise Lodge and a few other motels in Gizo.
In the central and eastern part of Solomon Islands, the provinces of Guadalcanal, Central, Malaita, Isabel, Renbel, Makira, and Temotu were unaffected by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the Western Solomon. Reports from tourist operators in the central and eastern parts of the Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal, Malaita, Renbel, Makira, and Temotu provinces) were not at hand, however, the SIVB believes the accommodation facilities and tourism activities in these provinces are operating normally as the area was not affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau General Manager, Michael Tokuru said “I would like to assure overseas wholesalers, travel agents, and friends that Solomon Islands is wishing to welcome back our overseas visitors and friends.”
