Group photo of PATA’s officials with the MTC and SIVB staffs after a press conference held at the Heritage Park last
week

THE Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) describes the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s visit to the country as ‘tremendous opportunity for tourists’ destination’.

The PATA’ visit in the country last week raises Solomon Islands profile in the Asian tourism market.

The visit also sets the MCT and SIVB on significant emphasis looking for right investors, improving accommodation and flights which are current challenges faced.

In a press conference last week, the Permanent Secretary for MCT, Andrew Nihopara said the significance of PATA’s visit gives the tourism Ministry confidence and direction.

PS Nihopara says PATA’s visits set new benchmark that allow MCT and SIVB’s alignment on their vision and experiences globally.

“More importantly from our side on government level it gives us lot of confidence given that we have expert views and discussions on what Solomon Islands should be as a tourist destination,” Mr Nihopara said.

“Not only that but it also helps recognition that sectors getting from our very own government, so having high profile group of tourism leaders in our country, we have discussed very strategic issues and directions that we need.

“key points came from our discussion is, Solomon Islands started from scratch, that gives us lot of opportunities as destination to made things right for tourism sectors— we aspire not to like other destination but the message is, work with what we had,” PS Nihopara said.