THE Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau has got its 2017 International Media Visitation Programme off to a big start with UK travel writer Julian Ryall visiting Hapi Isles yesterday.

Mr Ryall writes for the world-famous Daily Telegraph newspaper in London, of the UK’s big national newspapers.

He also writes for prestigious Hong Kong based South China Morning Post and the biggest travel industry publication in Asia, Travel Trade Gazette.

Mr Ryall is visiting the Solomon Islands to discover and write about the country’s unique culture, history and natural beauty, diving and fishing with his busy itinerary designed to showcase many tourist attractions in Honiara and surrounds, Gizo, Munda, the Vona Vona Lagoon and Rendova Islands.

A key part of his overall visit will be visiting several key WWII battlefields and areas of interest, the intention being to promote the 75th anniversary of Guadalcanal campaign.

As part of this he will meet and interview Sir Bruce Saunders KBE while in Honiara to learn more about the many activities now being planned for the August event.