Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting underway in Honiara
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with Tourism Solomons hosted a welcome reception for delegates attending the Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting on Tuesday evening, 20 October 2026, at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara.
The reception featured traditional presentations and cultural performances celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Solomon Islands and highlighting the shared identity of the Pacific tourism family.
Chair of the SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting and Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, welcomed colleague Ministers and representatives from 15 Pacific Island member countries attending the meeting.
Minister Bonuga also expressed confidence that the meeting would provide valuable opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation, partnerships and relationships across the Pacific tourism sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale emphasised that tourism is more than an industry; it creates jobs, empowers communities, preserves cultural heritage and improves livelihoods.
“Our Pacific has some of the most remarkable places on Earth. But our greatest asset is not what any one of us holds alone, it is what we hold together.
“The future of tourism in each of our countries is tied to the success of the region as a whole,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted key challenges facing Pacific tourism, including costly travel, limited air connectivity and the growing impacts of climate change on coastlines, coral reefs and community livelihoods.
He called for stronger regional cooperation to deliver practical solutions, including improved air links, joint marketing initiatives, private-sector partnerships, training opportunities for young people and fairer access to resources for emerging tourism destinations.
Chairlady of SPTO Board of Directors, Mrs. Adela Issachar Aru of Vanuatu, said the meeting provides an important opportunity to assess the direction of Pacific tourism and identify actions needed to secure its future.
“We are here to share our common stories, our challenges and to find solutions as the Pacific tourism family.
“Let us use these meetings to make decisions that deliver lasting value for our people and to position Pacific tourism for sustainable growth,” she said.
The Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting and Development Partner Dialogue were held on Wednesday, 21 October, will be followed by an excursion for delegates to Tulagi on Thursday, 22 October. The farewell reception for the SPTO Meeting will be on the evening of Thursday.
ENDs///////////////
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale is escorted by the Chair of the SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting and Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, upon his arrival at the Pacific Crown Hotel for the meeting’s welcome reception.
Minister Hon. Tevita Puloka from Tonga arrives at the Pacific Crown Hotel for the welcome reception.
Guests attending the welcome reception for the Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting held at PCH.
Minister Tevita Puloka of Tonga (left), Hon. Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia from American Samoa (second from left) and Minister Tangariki Reete from Kiribati (second from right) at PCH during the welcome reception.
Reps from SPTO member countries during the welcome reception at the Pacific Crown Hotel.
A Chupu traditional presentation from the people of Guadalcanal to SPTO delegation.
Minister Tevita Puloka of Tonga and Chairlady of SPTO Board of Directors, Mrs. Adela Issacher Aru present gifts to Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale.
Minister Puloka from Tonga and Minister Bonuga from Solomon Islands join members of the SPTO delegation to taste traditional Guadalcanal dishes during the welcome reception at PCH.
Kolomusu dancers from Isabel staging traditional performances for members of SPTO delegation during the welcome reception at PCH.