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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with Tourism Solomons and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), has released the Solomon Islands Business Confidence Index (BCI) 2024 Report. This comprehensive survey provides key insights into the local business community’s perceptions of the tourism sector and its prospects.
Conducted from September 3 to December 31, 2024, the survey gathered 84 responses, with 78 valid submissions analyzed. The findings reflect private sector perspectives within the tourism industry and offer valuable guidance for policymakers, investors, and business leaders.
Solomon Islands is among 10 Pacific Island countries —Cook Islands, Niue, PNG, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and FSM-Yap under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative funded by the New Zealand Government. PTDI continues to serve as an essential resource for tourism data across the Pacific through the bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report to strengthen regional tourism strategies.
87% of respondents from the survey were Solomon Islands citizens, with 46% of businesses based in Honiara and 54% operating in other provinces, demonstrating broad national participation. Accommodation providers comprised 48% of surveyed businesses, followed by visitor activity and tour operators (23%) and retail outlets (11%). The average annual business turnover was reported at SBD 634,444, with 51% of total revenue attributed directly to tourism. 46% of businesses plan to expand their workforce, yet 67% cited workforce development challenges, and 33% identified a lack of tourism expertise in local communities. Businesses highlighted economic constraints (23%), governance and policy concerns (18%), and infrastructure and accessibility issues (18%) as major hurdles to growth.
The Solomon Islands Government has allocated SBD 46 million in the 2025 Budget to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support industry development and investment. Key
areas for long-term sustainability include service quality enhancement (80%), product development (69%), and business continuity and strategic planning (67%).
Tourism Solomons CEO Dagnal Dereveke emphasized that the BCI results serve as a crucial tool to drive informed decision-making. “These insights will help shape policy priorities, boost investor confidence, and enhance strategic planning within the private sector. Addressing workforce development, economic challenges, and infrastructure concerns while leveraging government support is essential for long-term growth and resilience in the tourism industry.”
The 2024 BCI Report underscores tourism’s pivotal role in the Solomon Islands’ economy. By focusing on skills development, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability, the sector is poised to strengthen its contribution to national growth and economic resilience.
SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker mentioned the results of the Solomon Islands BCI survey offer invaluable insights into the evolving needs and expectations of visitors, which will guide efforts in enhancing tourism experiences.
“This data is crucial for shaping a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector that aligns with the aspirations of both visitors and local communities, ensuring that tourism continues to be a force for good in the region.” The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with Tourism Solomons and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), has released the Solomon Islands Business Confidence Index (BCI) 2024 Report. This comprehensive survey provides key insights into the local business community’s perceptions of the tourism sector and its prospects.
Conducted from September 3 to December 31, 2024, the survey gathered 84 responses, with 78 valid submissions analyzed. The findings reflect private sector perspectives within the tourism industry and offer valuable guidance for policymakers, investors, and business leaders.
Solomon Islands is among 10 Pacific Island countries —Cook Islands, Niue, PNG, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and FSM-Yap under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative funded by the New Zealand Government. PTDI continues to serve as an essential resource for tourism data across the Pacific through the bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report to strengthen regional tourism strategies.
87% of respondents from the survey were Solomon Islands citizens, with 46% of businesses based in Honiara and 54% operating in other provinces, demonstrating broad national participation. Accommodation providers comprised 48% of surveyed businesses, followed by visitor activity and tour operators (23%) and retail outlets (11%). The average annual business turnover was reported at SBD 634,444, with 51% of total revenue attributed directly to tourism. 46% of businesses plan to expand their workforce, yet 67% cited workforce development challenges, and 33% identified a lack of tourism expertise in local communities. Businesses highlighted economic constraints (23%), governance and policy concerns (18%), and infrastructure and accessibility issues (18%) as major hurdles to growth.
The Solomon Islands Government has allocated SBD 46 million in the 2025 Budget to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support industry development and investment. Key
areas for long-term sustainability include service quality enhancement (80%), product development (69%), and business continuity and strategic planning (67%).
Tourism Solomons CEO Dagnal Dereveke emphasized that the BCI results serve as a crucial tool to drive informed decision-making. “These insights will help shape policy priorities, boost investor confidence, and enhance strategic planning within the private sector. Addressing workforce development, economic challenges, and infrastructure concerns while leveraging government support is essential for long-term growth and resilience in the tourism industry.”
The 2024 BCI Report underscores tourism’s pivotal role in the Solomon Islands’ economy. By focusing on skills development, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability, the sector is poised to strengthen its contribution to national growth and economic resilience.
SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker mentioned the results of the Solomon Islands BCI survey offer invaluable insights into the evolving needs and expectations of visitors, which will guide efforts in enhancing tourism experiences.
“This data is crucial for shaping a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector that aligns with the aspirations of both visitors and local communities, ensuring that tourism continues to be a force for good in the region.”
