Bloody Ridge Heritage Park poised to boost tourism in Solomon Islands

Honiara, 07/09/2026 – The Bloody Ridge National Heritage Park (BRNHP), like other historical heritage sites in Solomon Islands, has significant potential to contribute to the country’s tourism industry.

This aligns with the vision of the national government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to develop Bloody Ridge not only as a place to preserve the past, but also as an important part of the future of tourism in Solomon Islands.

Speaking during the national commemoration of the 84th anniversary of the Guadalcanal Campaign of the Second World War, held at Bloody Ridge Park on Monday this week, Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, said the annual Battle of Bloody Ridge commemoration has become an important event on the national calendar.

“Our ambition is for this event to grow from year to year to attract greater participation from Solomon Islands, our international partners, historians, researchers, returning families, visitors, and the broader tourism community.

“As the event grows, so too will the opportunities for our people. More visitors will mean greater opportunities for our tourism service providers and our economy at large.

“This is how heritage tourism can contribute directly to local economic development,” he said.

Minister Bonuga also stressed that while Bloody Ridge is developed as a tourism attraction, it is equally important to preserve what makes the site special.

He said tourism development must serve to protect the heritage, rather than compromise it, and must respect the dignity of those who lost their lives at Bloody Ridge.

“Tourism must save the heritage, not the other way around,” he said.

The Minister added that commercial opportunities must be balanced with conservation, authenticity, and remembrance.

“That is the responsibility we have as custodians of this national heritage,” he said.

However, Minister Bonuga stressed that achieving these objectives would require cooperation and support from all stakeholders.

He acknowledged the governments of Australia and New Zealand for their continued friendship and valuable support towards the development of Bloody Ridge National Heritage Park.

This includes financial and technical assistance to the Ministry’s efforts in heritage preservation and tourism development.

The Minister also invited development and donor partners to continue working with the government, noting that much more remains to be done.

“We need investment in visitor infrastructure, interpretation, conservation, research, training, digital technology, community engagement, and long-term management of this important site.

“The government of Solomon Islands is committed to this work, and we welcome partners who share our belief that preserving history is an investment in future generations,” he said.

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