Tourism Minister officially opens Rua Kokomu Island Resort in Gela

TULAGI, Central Islands Province – The Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Choylin Douglas, has officially opened the Rua Kokomu Island Resort, commonly known as the Double Island Resort, in Gela, Central Islands Province, highlighting the government’s commitment to developing the country’s tourism sector.

The Rua Kokomu Island Resort, a new luxury accommodation facility, was officially opened on March 6, 2026. The resort is owned and operated by the Leong family, who have invested significantly in the project.

The resort’s development aligns with the government’s vision to develop the Tulagi Hub as a key tourism growth area, showcasing the region’s rich culture, colonial heritage, and natural beauty.

An SBD3 million government grant provided to support the project underscores the government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to drive tourism growth.

“This achievement is a result of commitment, careful planning, hard work, and a strong partnership between the Government and the private sector,” Minister Douglas said. “The Leong family’s investment in this project demonstrates confidence in our country and in the future of tourism in the Solomon Islands.”

The resort represents a significant investment in the Central Islands Province.

“Investments like Double Island Resort directly contribute to increasing our number of market-ready rooms – rooms that can effectively compete at the international level,” Minister Douglas noted.

The resort is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic growth, with the Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, encouraging the community to support the investment and work together to ensure its long-term success.

“May Double Island Resort flourish, may it create lasting benefits for the people of Gela and Central Province, and may it contribute meaningfully to a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry,” Minister Douglas said.

“The beauty of our islands will attract visitors – but it is the warmth and professionalism of our people that will bring them back,” Minister Douglas said.

The Leong family, who also own Pacific Crown Hotel, has demonstrated its commitment to the tourism industry in the Solomon Islands through this investment.

The resort’s opening is seen as a significant milestone in the country’s tourism development, with the potential to increase market-ready rooms and contribute to the government’s tourism growth targets.

Central Islands Provincial Premier Kenneth Sagupari speaking at the opening ceremony.

Invited guests at the Resort’s signboard.

Members of the Leong Family at the opening ceremony.

Guests at the opening ceremony.

A view of the new luxury Rua Kokomu Island Resort.

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