Tourism Solomons shines spotlight on Western Province surfing

A major component of Tourism Solomons international media visitation program (IMVP), the national tourist office this week is hosting one of Australia’s biggest surfing media outlets, Surfing Life magazine.

Arriving in Munda International Airport on Friday, a three-man team led by publisher and filmographer Ray Bisschop (second from right) is based at Fatboys Resort in Gizo from where they will film and document surfing on the area’s two main surf breaks – Titianas and Paelonghi.

The Surfing Life team also includes surfing talent, Kirra-Belle Olsson who is currently ranked 18th in the Australian women’s short board surfing series, and magazine editor, Lystra Bisschop.

While in the Western Province, the team will also interview Western Solomons Surfing Association (WSSA) president, Jeremy Baea and his sister Nagarita Baea on the efforts both are undertaking to further develop, promote, and advocate for the sport in the Western Province.

This includes the ‘Women Make Waves’ program which promotes gender equality and empowers women through surf therapy.

The visit to Gizo marks the second time a Surfing Life team has visited the Solomon Islands. In March last year a three-man team visited Santa Isabel where they documented surfing while staying at Vavaghio Guest House.

Commenting on the visit, Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, said surf tourism strongly reflects the Solomon Islands’ brand promise of real adventure in a true eco-environment.

“We are focused on delivering high-value, low-impact adventure experiences that appeal to a discerning global audience, and surfing is one of the niche areas where the Solomon Islands is particularly well positioned,” he said.

“Engaging with specialist media has become an important part of our broader marketing approach, particularly for credibility-driven niche experiences such as surfing, fishing and diving, all underpinned by our distinctive culture and natural environment.”