PACIFIC: Solomon Islands lure tourists back

Solomon Islands lure tourists back  
Agence France-Presse  
Wednesday, October 1, 2003 


HONIARA, Solomon Islands Given the recent unrest, it's not surprising that 
the Solomon Islands have virtually disappeared from the tourism map.

Since ethnic violence has broken out, prompting the intervention of a large 
Australian-led force in July, the Pacific nation once known as the Happy 
Isles has been unlikely to appear in travel or leisure sections.

But even during several years of turmoil, the Solomons remained a magnet for 
divers.

"Before the intervention, we had not a big but reasonably consistent flow of 
tourists, but mainly only divers," said Andrew Nihopara, the marketing 
manager for the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau.

Despite ethnic clashes largely centered on the islands of Guadalcanal and 
Malaita, divers continued to travel to diving hot spots scattered throughout 
the country's 992 islands. The stability that the intervention has brought is 
starting to produce a rise in the number of travelers, Nihopara said, 
although there are no expectations of a major boom. But an improvement in 
security led Australia to lift its travel warning last week, a trend that has 
local tourist operators hoping that times will get better.

Traveling around the country can sometimes require flexibility, because 
domestic carriers' flight schedules are extremely unreliable.

For those who can get there, however, the Western Province has a range of 
accommodations and activities.

The Uepi Island Resort on the edge of Marovo Lagoon, has access to some of 
the country's best diving spots, while small eco-lodges scattered around the 
picturesque lagoon offer a relaxing break.

From Gizo, Western Province's capital, several operators offer fishing and 
diving trips, including visits to Kennedy Island.

Closer to the capital, Honiara, residents escape to the Nggela (or Florida) 
Islands in Central Province, where two dive operators offer trips.

Tavanipupu Island Resort on the far eastern point of Guadalcanal has recently 
resumed operations amid spectacular scenery.

Throughout the year, Bilikiki Cruises offers 7- and 10-day diving trips from 
Honiara, mainly catering to Americans prepared to lay out a considerable sum 
for an intensive diving vacation.

The nearby Russell Islands and Nggela Islands both feature outstanding dive 
sites.

As the security situation continues to improve in the Solomons, charter 
operators are hoping they will be spending more time on the water. 



SOURCE: International Herald Tribune