Pacific Tourism Organisation Releases Tourism Data Reports in Cooperation with Tourism Solomons

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in partnership with Tourism Solomons and with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MTC) and the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO), released the completed 2024 International Visitor Survey (IVS) Report for the Solomon Islands. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in regional data development, providing comprehensive insights to support the ongoing growth and sustainability of the Solomon Islands’ tourism sector.

Solomon Islands is among 10 Pacific Island countries —the Cook Islands, Niue, PNG, Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa, 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 Attitudes Survey (CAS) report, all aimed at strengthening regional tourism strategies.

The 2024 International Visitor Survey (IVS) for the Solomon Islands garnered a total of 1,169 valid responses, accounting for approximately 8% of all international arrivals and achieving a response rate of 14%. Among the respondents, 40% were first-time visitors, reflecting growing interest in the Solomon Islands as an emerging tourism destination. A significant 88% of visitors indicated that they would recommend the Solomon Islands to others, while 86% expressed a strong likelihood of returning, highlighting their overall satisfaction with the travel experience. The survey found that the average prepaid expenditure per visitor was USD 2,324, with an estimated 52% of the expenditure directly benefiting the local economy. Additionally, in-country spending averaged USD 1,011 per visitor, with an average stay of 11 nights, contributing to an estimated total economic impact of USD 85 million from international visitors in 2024.

Visitors were largely drawn by the Solomon Islands’ natural beauty, vibrant marine activities, and rich cultural experiences. While most found their experience enjoyable, the survey also captured concerns related to infrastructure, particularly at airports and with domestic transport services. Other key areas for improvement included environmental cleanliness, customer service, and the availability of reliable visitor information.

Based on the findings, the report recommends several improvements to enhance the overall visitor experience. These include: upgrading airport and domestic flight facilities, improving public infrastructure and waste management systems, enhancing access to tourism information services, and providing customer service training for tourism operators. The report also highlights the need for

greater pricing transparency and strengthened safety standards to ensure a more consistent and high-quality visitor experience.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Cocker, acknowledged the importance of reliable data in shaping the future of tourism in the Pacific.

“This report is a testament to what can be achieved when regional cooperation is backed by strong national leadership. The insights gained from the IVS will support evidence-based decisions, ensuring that tourism growth in the Solomon Islands is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.”

Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ commitment to data-driven development.

“We are proud to partner with SPTO and our national stakeholders in delivering this important report. The findings provide a clear picture of our visitor trends, challenges, and opportunities—helping us build a stronger and more competitive tourism sector that truly benefits our people and communities.”

The 2024 IVS Report reaffirms the importance of consistent data collection and analysis to inform planning, investment, and capacity-building efforts in Pacific tourism.