January - December 2024 (12 months)
Executive Summary
This report provides an analysis of the International Visitor Survey (IVS) data from January to December 2024 to understand the visitor experience and gain insights into the Solomon Islands tourism industry. The survey collected 1,221 responses, with 1,169 validated for analysis, representing 8% of actual visitors and achieving a 14% response rate.
Key findings include:
- Visitor Profile: 40% of respondents were first-time visitors, with an average household income of USD 87,563.
- Visitor Characteristics & Preferences: Visitors highlighted warm swimming and diving spots, religious activities, local arts, a relaxing atmosphere, and water-based activities as key attractions. However, the majority of respondents travelled primarily for employment or business-related activities, including meetings and conferences.
- Visitor Satisfaction: Visitor satisfaction remains high, with 88% indicating they would recommend the Solomon Islands to others and 86% expressing a willingness to return.
- Visitor Spending and Impact: The average prepaid spend per respondent was USD 3,873, with an estimated 60% benefiting the local economy. In-country spend per trip averaged USD 1,287 over an average stay of 12 nights. This contributed to an estimated economic impact of USD 90 million in 2024, reflecting a USD 5 million increase from 2023.
- Visitor Experience Insights: Visitors appreciated the friendliness of local people, the scenery, and the natural environment. Less appealing aspects included infrastructure gaps, environmental cleanliness, accommodation standards, healthcare and hygiene, airport facilities, and the quality of some services.
The report also highlights areas for improvement, including infrastructure, pollution and waste management, airport and accommodation standards, customer service, availability of tourist information, and price reviews. Respondents encouraged government action to support these improvements to foster a more positive and sustainable visitor experience in the Solomon Islands
January - June 2024 (6 months)
Executive Summary
This report provides an analysis of the International Visitor Survey (IVS) data from January to June 2024 to understand the visitor experience and gain insights into the Solomon Islands tourism industry.
Key findings include:
- Visitor Profile: The majority of visitors were from Australia (30%) and New Zealand (7%), and by country grouping: Pacific Countries (21%) and Asian Countries (16%). The average age group was 45-54 years old, and the average household income was USD80,814.
- Visitor Characteristics & Preferences: The top three purposes of visit were business (41%), holiday (25%) and visiting friends & relatives (11%). The average length of stay was 8 nights, and the most visited islands were Guadalcanal Province (25%) and Western Province (13%).
- Information & Decision Making: ‘Work colleagues/information from the visitor’s organisation’ were the most influential source of information about the Solomon Islands. The most influential factors in choosing the Solomon Islands as a destination included friendly people, business and work and culture and history.
- Visitor Spending and Impact: The average prepaid expenditure per person was USD2,24`, and the average local spend per person per day was USD192. The estimated return to the economy was 60%.
- Visitor Satisfaction: Visitors were generally satisfied with their overall experience of the Solomon Islands, with the highest satisfaction ratings for the friendliness of the Solomon Islands people, the Airport arrival/departure experience, overall level of service and value for money.
The report also highlights areas for improvement, including public services and infrastructure, environment, safety and animals. Despite these areas for improvement, the majority of visitors (87%) expressed a willingness to return to the Solomon Islands and would recommend it to others.
