‘New Zealanders are familiar with the more comfortable side of the Pacific,’ says Tourism Solomons’ head of sales and marketing Fiona Teama. ‘The Solomon Islands are real, raw and authentic. We still have many traditional ways, evident in our cooking and our languages – shell money is still used in ceremonial exchange.
‘People come for diving, fishing, uncrowded surfing, World War II history and bird watching, but whatever they are there for they will encounter our culture.’
Meana says the destination has seen a 2% increase in visitation from New Zealand year-on-year.
‘While the Solomons will always be a niche destination there is potential for growth through the travel trade here. The key is to educate the trade so that they have a real understanding of what we offer.’
Richard Skewes from Treasures of the Pacific (a roadshow that includes Solomon Islands and is returning to New Zealand early September 2026) says the country is not selling fly and flop experiences. ‘There are no kids clubs and no swim up bars. It’s about cultural immersion – we’re selling stories.
‘We don’t need agents to be experts in the destination, we just need to help them identify the person who is right for the Solomons. That’s our priority for the trade here.’
