Tourism Solomons welcomes Australian PM’s comments on potential South Pac travel bubble

Honiara, Solomon Islands –Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto has welcomed news the Australian government is now in “conversation” with several South Pacific nations regarding the potential creation of a regional travel bubble.

His comments come in response to reports Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has revealed his hopes for a travel bubble with a handful of neighbouring nations, including the Solomon Islands.

Interviewed on national Australian radio this week, Mr Morrison said a future travel bubble could operate under a similar arrangement to that Australia currently has in place with New Zealand.

“I hope we can make some real progress on that soon,” the prime minister said, indicating he “would love to see a Pacific bubble.”

CEO Tuamoto said he welcomed the prime minister’s comments and he and his team would do all possible to provide the support necessary to make the travel bubble a reality.

The local tourism industry, he said, would need to consult closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the oversight committee as and when a travel bubble is given the go ahead.

“In the meantime, and until this does become a reality, Tourism Solomons will continue to maintain focus on digital campaigns as well as promoting domestic tourism,” he said.

“In the current situation, these two factors now form an integral part of the five-point strategy announced last July which, in the short term, is aimed at boosting our country’s domestic tourism numbers, in the process increasing revenue–based opportunity for our struggling operators.”

Image: Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto