Rua Koukomu Resort Launches in Central Islands Province

Marking another significant milestone for the Solomon Islands tourism sector, Rua Koukomu Resort on Double Island in the destination’s Central province has been officially opened.

The second major hotel to be opened in the Solomon Islands in two weeks, the 20-room Rua Koukomu Resort, (which means Double Island in the local Ngela dialect) is being hailed as a new benchmark for tourism accommodation in the Solomon Islands.

With Phase 1 of the development now officially open, Phase 2, comprising a large dormitory aimed at the backpacker market, is close to completion.

Adding high‑quality room stock and overall strengthening the hospitality offering in Central Islands Province, the opening of the new resort follows closely on the heels of last month’s opening of the Zaru Hotel in Gizo int e Western Province.

Both new properties are seen as signalling growing investor confidence and accelerating momentum in the Solomon Islands tourism sector’s long‑term development.

Guest speakers at the official opening with Minister for Culture & Tourism, Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas (second from left).

Officiating at the resort’s opening, Minister for Culture & Tourism, Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas said the development represented a broader shift in the Solomon Islands tourism sector as the industry transitions toward long‑term growth.

In her address the Minister underlined the lifting of standards and raising overall accommodation quality is fundamental to the country’s competitiveness on the international tourism stage.

The priorities, she said, were clear. Expanding the number of market‑ready rooms, strengthening service excellence, investing in capacity building, creating stronger linkages with small businesses, and ensuring communities are active supporters and beneficiaries of tourism development.

These pillars, she said. form the foundation of a more resilient, high-performing, and visitor‑focused industry.

The minister acknowledged the resort’s managing director, Mr Michael Leong and his family for their commitment and substantial private investment in bringing the new resort to life.

Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke said it is essential that destinations within the destination, such as the Central Province and Western Province, were in position to offer high‑quality accommodation if the Solomon Islands was to gain a competitive edge..

“That’s exactly what Rua Koukomu Resort and Zaru Hotel offer,” he said, adding the promotion of both properties would play a role as the tourism board continues to intensify its marketing efforts in Australia, New Zealand and other priority markets.

Pictured (from L-R) Central Islands Province Premier, Hon. Kenneth Sagupari; Rua Koukomu Resort Owner, Michael Leong; Minister for Culture & Tourism, Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas, and Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Hon. Roland Seleso.