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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with Tourism Solomons Office (TSO) and supported by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO), announced the completion of the 2024 January-June International Visitor Survey (IVS) reports. This successful partnership emphasizes the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in advancing tourism and sustainable development in the Solomon Islands.
The Pacific Data Initiative (PTDI), covers 10 countries under this activity and highlights the power of partnerships in enhancing data accuracy, pooling expertise, and promoting evidence-based decision-making for the tourism sector. The findings from these reports will guide strategic decisions supporting economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. This collaboration between SPTO and its valued stakeholders reinforces the collective vision of strengthening tourism across the Pacific and furthering sustainable practices that benefit both communities and visitors.
The Solomon Islands saw a remarkable 26% increase in international visitors from January to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Among the 568 survey respondents, 38% were first-time visitors with an average household income of USD 80,814, drawn by the appeal of health and beauty products, local arts, and water-based activities, though many visited for business purposes.
86% of visitors would recommend the Solomon Islands as a destination. While 87% expressed a willingness to return. The average prepaid spend per visitor was USD 2,241, with 60% contributing directly to the local economy. Visitors spent an average of USD 1,563 in-country per trip, with stays averaging 8 nights, resulting in an estimated economic impact of USD 29 million.
While visitors praised the friendliness of locals, they also suggested improvements in infrastructure, pollution control, accommodation quality, and airport services. Boosted by enhanced marketing and events like the successful “Mi Save Tourism Exchange” held in 2023, tourism experienced its strongest second-quarter growth since 2019.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker mentioned that the collaboration with the Tourism Solomons Office and the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office emphasizes the power of partnerships in shaping a thriving and responsible tourism sector across the Pacific
“These results are a testament to the resilience and unique appeal of the Solomon Islands as a destination,” Mr Cocker shared. “The data collected through the International Visitor Survey not only highlights the remarkable growth in visitor numbers but also provides invaluable insights to guide sustainable tourism development.”
The Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) spearheads the implementation and collection of data for the Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard, setting standards for marketing and sustainable tourism indicators across the Pacific region. Funded by the New Zealand Government under Phase 2 of the Pacific Digital Tourism Transformation project enabling evidence-based decision-making through the annual publication of three essential reports: a bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) from ten Pacific Island nations, including the Solomon Islands.
