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Solomon Islands recorded stagnant growth in visitors’ arrivals in the 3rd Quarter 2009. A total of 4,123 overseas visitors were recorded, which showed a 10% decrease from the previous Quarter of this year.
The unusually low level of visitors arrivals (999 visitors) in the month of September compared with the previous eight months (from 1,249 to 1,724 visitors) is not unexpected at this time of the year.
In spite of the stagnant growth in the 3rd Quarter 2009, Solomon Islands maintained a 10% growth in visitors’ arrivals during the first nine months to September this year compared with the previous nine-month period.
By purpose of visit Overseas visitors who came for business and conference made up 40% of total visitors arrivals while 33% came for holiday in the 3rd Quarter. The rest came to visit friends and relatives (12%), transit (3%) and for other purpose (12%).
However, the number of visitors who came for business and conference in the 3rd Quarter decreased by 15% from the previous Quarter of this year. Similarly, the number of visitors who came to visit friends and relatives, for transit and for other purpose all showed a decrease from the previous Quarter of this year.
In contrast, the number of visitors who came for holiday in the 3rd Quarter increased by 12% from the previous Quarter of this year.
By age group The age group 35-54 years made up 42% of the total visitors arrivals to Solomon Islands in the 3rd Quarter, followed by the age group 0-34 years (30%), and 55 years and above (28%). In terms of gender, 69% were male and 31% were female.
By country of origin Visitors from Australia made up 47% of the total number of visitors to Solomon Islands in the 3rd Quarter of this year, followed by New Zealand (8%), and USA (7%). Over fifteen other countries in Asia, Europe, and the Pacific made up the rest (38%).
However, the number of visitors from Australia in the 3rd Quarter decreased by 17% from the previous Quarter of this year.
In contrast, visitors from New Zealand in 3rd Quarter increased by 2%, while visitors from USA increased by 18% from the previous Quarter of this year.
By air carrier and major source market Solomon Airlines uplifted 35% of the total number of visitors to Solomon Islands in the 3rd Quarter of this year, followed by Pacific Blue (34%), Air Niugini (15%), Air Pacific (9%), and Our Airline (4%). Unscheduled and military flights uplifted the rest (3%).
However, Pacific Blue uplifted 21% fewer visitors than in the previous Quarter of this year, followed by Air Niugini (10%), and Solomon Airlines (7%).
In contrast, Our Airline uplifted 64% more visitors while Air Pacific uplifted 8% more visitors than in the previous Quarter as a result of the restart of their services during the 3rd Quarter of this year.
Australia continued to be Solomon Islands’ major source market for overseas visitors.
Pacific Blue uplifted 51% of the total number of Australians to Solomon Islands in the 3rd Quarter 2009, followed by Solomon Airlines (43%), Air Niugini (2%), and the other commercial and military aircrafts (4%).
However, Pacific Blue uplifted 22% fewer Australians while Solomon Airlines uplifted 3% fewer Australians than in the previous Quarter of this year.
Market Trend Market regions of Australia, SE Asia, and Pacific Islands showed negative growth in visitors arrivals to Solomon Islands in the 3rd Quarter 2009. On the other hand, NZ, USA and Europe regions showed positive growth in the 3rd Quarter of this year.
Outlook for the 4th Quarter 2009
“Overall the 3rd Quarter 2009 saw stagnant growth in visitors’ arrivals to Solomon Islands, however, visitors arrivals is expected to record positive growth in the 4th Quarter 2009 owing to a number of international and regional meetings and events which took place in Honiara in October this year”.
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