PUTTING the Solomon Islands squarely on the international travel map and giving the destination’s fishing related tourism a massive boost, Australian rugby league legend Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen and his ‘Escape with ET’ film crew arrive in Honiara.

One of the most popular sporting identities in Australia, ET needs no introduction.

He played 328 first grade games for the Cronulla Sharks, represented New South Wales in the ‘State of Origin’ series and the Australian ‘Kangaroos’ before heading to the United Kingdom to play for ‘Super League’ teams.

He is also an avid fisherman and is visiting the Solomon Islands to record footage for his ‘Escape with ET’ show which, televised on national TV Channel Ten, has an audience of an estimated 350,000 Australian anglers every weekend.

While in the Solomon Islands ET’s fishing schedule will include a visit to Santa Isabel, staying at Papatura Island Retreat, and Guadalcanal and the Florida Islands.

While in Honiara he will stay as a guest of the Coral Seas Resort & Casino.

This is the second-time ET has visited the Solomon Islands as a guest of the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau and Solomon Airlines.

Last year he visited Munda, staying at Zipola Habu Resort and the Western Province where he was a guest of Fatboys Resort in Gizo.

SIVB CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the visit by ET, his producer Monique Ettingshausen and cameraman, Paul Flaherty represented a huge opportunity for the Solomon Islands.

“While fishing represents the main thrust of the programme, ET also takes time to showcase our local culture, food, history and natural beauty,” Mr Tuamoto said.

“The show is primarily televised in Australia where it is repeated at least twice, before being distributed to over 20 international TV channels in New Zealand, North America, the UK/Europe and Asia.

“Combined audience numbers run into the millions so it goes without saying that the benefits of having ET and his team here represent quite a catch for the Solomon Islands.”

–SIVB PRESS