‘Mi Save Solo 2023’ – a turning point for the tourism sector

Tourism Solomons has hailed its first ‘Mi Save Solo’ tourism exchange since 2019 a resounding success with the event set to have a major impact on the tourism sector’s fortunes in 2024.

A key component of its overall strategy to rebuild international visitation to pre-pandemic levels, the tourist office and industry partners last week hosted 12 international buyers as part of a busy four-day schedule meeting close on 30 hotel representatives and tour operators in Honiara, Gizo and Munda.

Emphasising the importance of the event, Tourism Solomons CEO (Acting), Dagnal Dereveke said the targeted approach taken with ‘Mi Save Solo 2023’ is seen as a significant step for the tourism sector as it looks to regain its pre-COVID international visitation figures.

“While much smaller than in previous years, this event has provided a wonderful  opportunity for our guests to refresh with existing product and at the same time, experience the many other developments that have taken place in the tourism sector since their last visit, particularly in our main tourism corridors,” Mr Dereveke said.

“The value of genuine, personal connections cannot be overstated and by bringing ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’ together into direct face-to-face conversations, we are confident everyone involved has been left with a renewed sense of optimism that bodes well for our tourism sector’s future.

“More to the point, we see the success of ’Mi Save Solo 2023’ as a major turning point for the tourism sector going forward.”

While the buyers itinerary was heavily weighted towards the business element, Tourism Solomons ensured some down time for their guests via the inclusion of several sightseeing and  cultural activities in their program.

These included a Saeraghi Village Experience, and, ensuring the Solomon Islands’ rich WWII history formed part of the overall program, a visit to Kennedy island.

Host properties taking part in ‘Mi Save Solo 2023’ included Heritage Park Hotel, Gizo Hotel, Sanbis Resort, Fatboys Resort and Imagination Island Resort.