The way international tourists make travel decisions is changing. Increasing numbers of tourists use the internet as their main source of information. Deciding what to do and where to stay using their phone, tablet or computer with referral sites such as Trip Advisor playing an important role in the decision making process.
Wilson Ne’e, Chairman of the Solomon Island Visitors Bureau says, “The tourism industry in the Solomon Islands is undergoing what I term as a metamorphosis where we are coming out of our shell looking outward and expanding our horizon and realising our true potential in the global tourism business.
“Yes, we have our challenges but therein lies our opportunity and we are thankful to PTI Australia for opening the doors to our operators on the critical need for digital tourism in there operation.”
PTI Australia has worked in the Pacific Islands for over 30 years and saw a gap in how local Pacific operators access the tourist market. PTI Australia identified a need to upskill local tourism operators in their knowledge of digital marketing and provide practical steps to help Solomon Island tourism operators sell more rooms and improve their profitability.
“The future of the travel and tourism industry is online – and regardless of where they are in the world, businesses in the sector need to have an online presence to succeed,” PTI Australia’s General Manager Investment & Tourism, Chad Morris said.
PTI Australia is committed to creating jobs in the Pacific. In 2012, PTI Australia partnered with SPTO and WHL Group to launch the first phase of PTI Australia’s Tourism Promotion programme. Since then, the initiative has helped build 279 websites and generated more than A$6.4 million in online bookings for tourism operators in the Pacific Islands.
For more information please email PTI Australia General Manager Investment & Tourism Chad Morris, at chad.morris@pacifictradeinvest.com
(Source: Pacific Periscope Pacific Trade & Invest [PTI] 04 April 2017)
