AGP Executive Report

Marine Safety: Strong winds of 15–25 knots, rough seas and reduced visibility have prompted a warning for coastal waters around Temotu, Makira and Rennell-Bellona. Small-boat operators and sea travellers are advised to consider delaying trips. Airfare Deals: Solomon Airlines is offering up to 25% off selected international fares, including Honiara connections with Brisbane, Auckland, Nadi and Port Vila. Book by 2 November for travel through September 2027. Tourism Growth: Solomon Islands welcomed 28,458 international visitors in 2025, up 13% on the previous year and close to the 2019 level. The country aims for 100,000 visitors a year by 2035, while regional operators say limited air links remain a major obstacle to growth. Reef Protection: A new global assessment warns that 96% of assessed coral reef ecosystems face an extremely high risk of collapse by 2075. The Coral Triangle’s reefs underpin local livelihoods and nature-based tourism, including diving.

Airfare Deals: Solomon Airlines is offering up to 25% off selected international fares, including Honiara–Nadi from SBD$1,345 one way and Honiara–Brisbane from SBD$2,295. Book by 2 November for travel through September 2027; seats are limited. Tourism Recovery: The Solomon Islands welcomed 28,458 international visitors in 2025, up 13% on 2024 and close to the pre-pandemic level. The country aims for 100,000 visitors a year by 2035, with a focus on diving, surfing, hiking and low-impact experiences. Connectivity Challenge: A regional survey found 47% of Pacific tourism operators grew revenue, but limited flights remain the leading barrier. SPTO and Pacific Trade Invest Australia have agreed to work together on tourism promotion, investment and market information. Central Province Spotlight: Pacific tourism delegates visited Tulagi and Double Island, highlighting World War II heritage, marine attractions and local culture. Provincial leaders want tourism to create jobs while protecting communities and the environment. Reef Conservation: Solomon Islands’ reefs support rich marine life and coastal livelihoods, but more frequent bleaching threatens recovery. Protecting reefs is vital to the country’s nature-based tourism.

Airfare Deals: Solomon Airlines is offering international discounts of up to 25% on selected dates, with bookings open until 2 November for travel through September 2027. Honiara routes include Brisbane, Auckland, Nadi, Port Vila and Santo. Tourism Recovery: International arrivals reached 28,458 in 2025, up 13% on the previous year and close to pre-pandemic levels. The government aims for 100,000 visitors a year by 2035. Growth Challenges: A regional survey found 47% of tourism operators increased revenue, but limited flights remain the leading barrier. Prime Minister Matthew Wale has urged Pacific countries to improve air links and ensure tourism benefits local communities. Central Province: Pacific tourism delegates visited Tulagi and Double Island, highlighting the province’s WWII heritage, marine attractions and local culture as tourism assets.

Airfare Sale: Solomon Airlines is offering discounts of up to 25% on international routes, with bookings open until 2 November for selected travel dates through September 2027. Honiara fares start at SBD$1,345 one way to Nadi and SBD$1,229 to Port Vila. Tourism Recovery: The Solomon Islands welcomed 28,458 international visitors in 2025, up 13% on the previous year and close to pre-pandemic levels. The country is targeting 100,000 visitors a year by 2035, with a focus on low-impact adventure, including diving, surfing and hiking. Regional Connections: Pacific tourism operators are seeing revenue growth, but a new report identifies limited international flights as the sector’s biggest barrier. At a regional tourism gathering in Honiara, leaders also highlighted Tulagi and Double Island’s history, culture and marine attractions. Travel Safety: Strong winds and rough seas have prompted warnings for small boats in several regions. Check the latest forecast and assess conditions before travelling between islands.

Makira Roads: Australia has pledged a further SBD$10 million for upgrades from Waita to Marou Bay, supporting local contractors and improving links for communities. Tourism Rebound: The Solomon Islands welcomed 28,458 international visitors in 2025, up 13% and close to pre-pandemic levels. The government aims for 100,000 visitors a year by 2035. Growth Challenges: A regional report says 47% of Pacific tourism operators increased revenue, but limited international flights remain the biggest barrier. Flights on Sale: Qantas’ Pacific sale includes the Solomon Islands, with Brisbane return fares from $799 on selected dates; the offer ends October 26. Tulagi Spotlight: Pacific tourism delegates toured Tulagi and Double Island, highlighting the province’s World War II heritage, marine attractions and local culture.

Tourism Rebound: The Solomon Islands welcomed 28,458 international visitors in 2025, up 13% on 2024 and close to pre-pandemic levels. The government aims for 100,000 a year by 2035, promoting high-value, low-impact diving, surfing and hiking, especially in the Western Province. Flights and Growth: A new Pacific tourism report found 47% of operators increased revenue, but 44% cite limited international flights as a key barrier. SPTO and Pacific Trade Invest Australia have agreed to work together on tourism marketing, investment and data. Tulagi Spotlight: A visit by Pacific tourism leaders showcased Central Province’s World War II heritage, island culture and marine attractions, as the province seeks tourism investment that benefits local communities. Fare Deal: Qantas’ sale includes Brisbane–Solomon Islands return fares from A$799 on selected dates; the offer ends today, October 26, at 11:59pm AEDT. Reef Protection: Indonesia is planning a global Coral Triangle forum for next spring, aiming to bring conservation groups and financial institutions together to support reef protection and coastal communities.

Tourism Outlook: A new Pacific survey found 47% of tourism operators increased revenue, but limited international flights remain the leading barrier, cited by 44%. Operators also want stronger business and destination marketing. Regional Cooperation: SPTO and Pacific Trade Invest Australia have signed a deal to boost tourism promotion, investment and digital capability. Pacific tourism leaders meeting in Honiara also visited Tulagi and Double Island, highlighting the province’s history, marine attractions and culture. Travel Deals and Entry: Qantas advertised return fares to Solomon Islands from $799 from Brisbane in its Pacific sale. Australian visitors should also note reports that entry now requires an electronic visa applied for before departure, with a fee of about $150.

Tourism Cooperation: SPTO and Pacific Trade Invest Australia signed an agreement in Honiara to boost tourism investment, digital marketing, research and training. A regional survey found 47% of Pacific operators grew revenue, but limited flights remain the leading barrier. Tulagi Showcase: Pacific tourism ministers visited Tulagi and Double Island, highlighting Central Province’s WWII heritage, marine attractions and local culture. The province hopes to grow Tulagi as a tourism hub while ensuring communities benefit. Air Access: Qantas’ Pacific sale includes return fares to Solomon Islands from A$799 from Brisbane, for selected dates in 2027. Travel Planning: Australian visitors are being advised to apply online for a visitor e-visa before departure; reports put the new cost at around A$150.

Tulagi in focus: Pacific tourism ministers visited Tulagi and Double Island, where Central Islands Province promoted its WWII heritage, marine attractions and local culture as the foundations for community-led tourism. Industry outlook: A new SPTO–PTI Australia partnership will support tourism investment, digital promotion and workforce development. A regional survey found 47% of operators grew revenue, but limited flights remain the biggest barrier. Travel deal: Qantas’ sale includes Brisbane–Solomon Islands return fares from A$799 on selected dates; bookings close 26 October unless sold out. Entry changes: Australian visitors now need to apply online for an electronic visa before travel, replacing the visitor permit previously available on arrival.

Tourism Push: Pacific tourism leaders visiting Tulagi and Double Island got a showcase of Central Province’s WWII heritage, marine attractions and local culture. Premier Kenneth Sagupari wants Tulagi developed as a tourism hub, with benefits reaching communities. Regional Partnership: SPTO and PTI Australia signed an agreement in Honiara to support tourism investment, digital marketing, research and workforce development. A regional survey found 47% of operators increased revenue, but 44% cited limited flights as a major barrier. Flights and Entry: Qantas’ sale includes Brisbane–Solomon Islands return fares from A$799 on selected dates; bookings close October 26 or earlier if seats sell out. Australian visitors should also note the shift to an online visa, reported to cost about A$150. National Tourism: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has urged stronger regional air links and community-focused tourism, and announced plans to relaunch the “Happy Isles” brand.

Tourism Partnership: SPTO and Pacific Trade Invest Australia signed an agreement in Honiara to boost regional promotion, investment, digital development and tourism workforce training. Air Links: A new industry survey found 47% of Pacific tourism operators grew revenue, but 44% say limited international flights are holding growth back. Tulagi Spotlight: Visiting tourism ministers toured Tulagi and Double Island, where Central Islands Province promoted its World War II heritage, marine life and local culture as attractions for visitors. Travel Deals: Qantas’ sale includes Brisbane–Solomon Islands return fares from A$799 on selected dates; the sale runs until October 26. Australian visitors should also check the new online visa process and its reported cost before travelling.

Tourism Outlook: A new Pacific survey found 47% of operators grew revenue in the past year, but 44% say limited flights are holding growth back. Central Islands: Pacific tourism ministers visited Tulagi and Double Island, spotlighting WWII heritage, marine attractions and Nggela culture as the province seeks to grow community-led tourism. Air Links: Qantas’ Pacific sale includes selected return fares from Brisbane to the Solomon Islands from A$799 for travel dates in 2027; the sale runs to October 26, subject to availability. Visitor Advice: Australians now need to apply online for a Solomon Islands visitor visa before departure, with a reported cost of about A$150. National Promotion: Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced plans to relaunch the “Happy Isles” brand, alongside calls for stronger regional connections and tourism that benefits local communities.

Tourism Outlook: A new regional survey found 47% of Pacific tourism operators grew revenue last year, but limited international flights remain the biggest barrier. Operators also want stronger marketing for their businesses and the Pacific. Local Attractions: Central Islands Province is promoting Tulagi’s World War II sites, marine life and Gela-Nggela culture, with a vision to grow tourism through partnerships while ensuring communities benefit. Regional Push: At tourism meetings in Honiara, Prime Minister Matthew Wale urged Pacific nations to improve air links and make tourism sustainable and inclusive. He also announced the “Happy Isles” brand relaunch. Travel Deals: Qantas’ sale includes selected Brisbane–Solomon Islands return fares from A$799; bookings close October 26 unless sold out. Australian visitors should also check entry costs and requirements before travelling, following a reported new electronic visa fee of about A$150.

Regional Tourism: Pacific tourism leaders meeting in Honiara are calling for better air links and investment that benefits local communities. Prime Minister Matthew Wale also announced the “Happy Isles” brand relaunch, while SPTO launched a regional plan to expand women’s participation in tourism. Central Province: Leaders promoted Tulagi’s WWII heritage, marine life and kastom to visiting tourism officials, with a vision to build the island into a community-focused tourism hub. Airfare Deal: Qantas’ Pacific sale includes return flights from Brisbane to Solomon Islands from A$799 on selected dates, offering a new option for Australian visitors. Travel Update: Australian visitors now need to apply online for an electronic permit, with reports putting the cost at about A$150. Solomon Islands recorded its strongest July visitor arrivals in 14 years, while tourism growth depends on protecting reefs and improving sea and air access.

Pacific Tourism: Honiara is hosting Pacific tourism ministers, with Prime Minister Matthew Wale urging better air links, sustainable tourism and stronger regional cooperation. He also announced the relaunch of the “Happy Isles” brand. Flight Deals: Qantas’ week-long sale includes return fares from Brisbane to the Solomon Islands from A$799 for selected dates, with more than 18,000 discounted seats across its Pacific network. Visitor Growth: Solomon Islands welcomed 2,941 visitors in July, up 25.9% year-on-year and the strongest July result since 2012; arrivals from January to July rose 12%. Travel Costs: Australian visitors now need to apply online for an electronic visa before departure, with the reported fee adding about A$150 to a trip. Sea Safety: Strong winds and rough seas are putting small boats at risk in several areas. Travellers should check forecasts and take care before inter-island journeys.

Pacific Tourism: Honiara is hosting tourism ministers from 15 Pacific countries, with Prime Minister Matthew Wale urging better air links, sustainable tourism and stronger regional cooperation. He also announced the relaunch of the “Happy Isles” brand. Airfares: Qantas’ week-long Pacific sale includes Brisbane–Solomon Islands return fares from A$799 on selected dates; bookings close 26 October or when seats sell out. Entry Requirements: Australian visitors may need to budget about A$150 for a new electronic visa, replacing the previous visitor permit available on arrival. Visitor Growth: Solomon Islands welcomed 2,941 international visitors in July, its strongest July result since 2012 and a 25.9% rise on the same month last year. Travel Conditions: Drought has brought water shortages to parts of Western Province, including Gizo and areas around Munda, so travellers should check local conditions before visiting.