Solomon Islands & Tonga Combine to Shine in Sold-Out ANZ Roadshow

Tourism Solomons in partnership with the Kingdom of Tonga have delivered both destinations biggest travel industry events in the post-COVID era with a joint roadshow series in Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane.

A major milestone for both national tourist offices’ re-engagement with the key Australia and New Zealand markets, and reinforcing the ANZ travel industry’s growing appetite for emerging Pacific destinations, the three-city ‘Discover the Best of Melanesia/Polynesia’ roadshow drew more than 340 industry professionals including frontline sales agents, wholesale tour operators, and a wide mix of trade partners.

Airline partners including Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways and Qantas Airways, were also well represented at each event.

Format for all three events included in-depth destination briefings along with cultural performances delivered by Solomon Islanders and Tongans resident in each city visited.

Event organiser Tourism Solomons Australia/New Zealand Trade Manager, Richard Skewes, who also represents the Kingdom of Tonga, said the turnout represented some of the strongest industry engagement seen this year for a Pacific-focused event.

This he said fully underscored the ever-growing demand for something new in the Pacific region.

“The message came through loud and clear – agents are desperate for alternatives that feel real, unscripted and uncrowded,” he said.

“And this is exactly what both destinations have to offer in terms of authentic culture, pristine environments combining adventure activities and experiences focusing on meaningful local interactions.

“Both Solomons Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga give agents the chance to refresh their South Pacific portfolios with something distinctive while still offering ease of access, strong value and genuine island hospitality.”