Honiara, Solomon Islands – Building on strong tourism sector momentum, including new hotel openings and last month’s ‘Strategic Transition’- themed Tourism in Focus conference in Honiara, Tourism Solomons has again taken the lead coordinating for a 19‑strong delegation to attend the 2026 South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) in Fiji.
The ‘Tourism Team Solo’ delegation, representing Solomon Airlines, hotels, resorts, and tour operators from Honiara, Western Province, and Malaita, joined the national tourist office at the event held at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa in Nadi.
The group also included Solomon Islands Women In Business (SIWIBA) representatives Taflabana Guesthouse and Betzia Arts & Crafts, on hand to showcase locally made Solomon Islands products, including shell money, highlighting the destination’s distinctive identity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Maximising every opportunity, ‘Tourism Team Solo’ completed more than 60 scheduled appointments with the close to 150 international travel wholesalers, retailers, and agencies attending the event, all of which are viewed as offering strong potential to drive future business for the destination.
Highlighting the importance of the event to the tourism sector, Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, and Tourism Team Solo delegation leader, Dagnal Dereveke said the team’s presence at SPTE underscored the sector’s combined commitment to strengthening the Solomon Islands ever-building footprint on the international travel stage.
Mr Dereveke acknowledged the support of the Australian Government-funded ‘Strongim Bisnis’ program for its assistance in enabling Western Province operators to attend the event.
“SPTE remains one of the most important platforms for the Solomon Islands tourism sector to showcase the destination to the world,” Mr Dereveke said.
“Our participation ensures we stay visible, competitive, and firmly connected to the global travel trade, allowing us to build new relationships, reinforce existing partnerships, and demonstrate that the Solomon Islands is ready to do business.
“I am delighted to say that this year has proven equally as productive as in previous events for everyone involved.”
Organised by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and attracting delegates from all over the world, SPTE is the region’s premier travel trade event, providing Pacific destinations with a dedicated platform to showcase their tourism products and services to international buyers.
Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke (pictured sixth from left) and the Solomon Islands tourism delegation attending SPTE 2026, proudly wearing their ‘Tourism Team Solo’ uniforms.