SI Tourism joins in ‘game changing’ Research & Data Training

Representatives from The Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT) and Tourism Solomons have joined tourism research and data professionals from across the Pacific for a three-day intensive workshop focusing on strengthening national capacities in data collection and analysis.

The Solomon Islands team – MCT Senior Research Tourism Officer, Laurie Leketo; Tourism Solomons Team Leader Digital & Research, Helen Aumae-Boso, and Tourism Solomons Research Officer, James Talotuita – took part in a Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) regional flagship program in Nadi, Fiji.

Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) and implemented by the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), the workshop enabled participants to learn how to use key tools designed to strengthen national capacities in data collection and analysis, equipping participants with practical skills in advanced tools such as SPSS and NVivo.

These tools are seen as pivotal in transforming raw tourism data into actionable insights that inform evidence-based decision-making and sustainable tourism planning.

A major highlight of the workshop was the official launch of the PTDI Research Champions which saw designated national representatives tasked with leading tourism research efforts in their respective countries.

These Champions will play a vital role in building local research capacity and fostering a regional culture of data-driven policy development.

Speaking on her return to Honiara, Ms Aumae-Boso said she found the workshop incredibly valuable.

“My key takeaway was learning how to effectively use powerful tools like SPSS and NVivo for analysing both quantitative and qualitative tourism data,” she said.

“These tools are game changers for how we approach data and decision-making. The PTDI is truly helping countries like the Solomon Islands shift from being data users to becoming data leaders.”