THE Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture and Tourism says Sydney-Honiara flights must be sustained to enhance Solomon Islands Tourism Market in Australia.

Speaking during the Tourism in Focus for 2017 consultation yesterday Mr Nihopara said Australian Market contributed very much to visitors’ arrival in Solomon Islands.

He explained that 65 percent of Solomon Island Tourism lager market comes from New South Wales with bulk of holiday visitors coming into the country each year.

“This is why we need to sustain the flight from Honiara to Sydney,” he added.

Mr Nihopara the ministry and Solomon Airlines are exploring business access on possible subsidy so that Solomon Airlines provides consistency flights.

He said commercial support must be made available for Solomon Airlines to sustain the routine while the Ministry of Culture and Tourism seeks further improvement to drive the country’s lager market.

“We want to see how the subsidy can work to sustain Solomon Airlines and at the same time drive Solomon Islands Tourism lager market,” Mr Nihopara explained.

He reiterated that New South Wales is an important market for Solomon Islands Tourism Industry.

In the meantime Mr Nihopara said works are on the ground to further improve tourism development this year.

Currently Solomon Airlines is going well with its Brisbane – Honiara flight since the routine was established.

Solomon Airlines direct flight to Sydney is currently annulled on issues known to Solomon Airlines.