AGP Executive Report

Sustainable Tourism Power: Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara has switched on a large solar system, covering up to 95% of its electricity needs and cutting diesel use by about 90%, with battery storage to keep power steady for guests. New Market for Visitors & Locals: Buala’s new market building has been handed over to vendors in Isabel Province, with climate-resilient design, solar lighting, accessible toilets/showers, and water storage—built with Australian funding. Tourism Leadership Update: Solomon Islands’ new Minister for Culture & Tourism, James Bonuga, has met the tourism team and heard that arrivals rose to 28,548 last year (up 13%), getting close to the 2019 record. Roadworks for Travelers: Mendana Avenue sealing works in Honiara are underway through late July, with lane closures and congestion expected—drivers and pedestrians are urged to follow traffic controllers. Tourism Data for Planning: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office shared 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, highlighting key source markets and visitor preferences to guide regional tourism strategy. Culture Calendar: The National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) is set to proceed July 1–5 despite government changes, with a budget around $500,000. Jobs & Youth Pressure: A World Bank report warns Solomon Islands must create more jobs for a growing youth population, even as growth is projected to improve.

Tourism & Travel (Honiara): The newly appointed Minister for Culture & Tourism, James Bonuga, has met Tourism Solomons and the National Tourism Office team, with visitor numbers up to 28,548 last year (about 13% growth) and just 382 short of the 2019 record. Road Access (Honiara): Mendana Avenue CBD roadworks are ongoing until end-July, with lane narrowing and congestion expected; drivers and pedestrians are urged to follow traffic controllers’ directions. Local Events (Honiara): The Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns this weekend at Pacific Crown Hotel, featuring visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local performers. Regional Tourism (Recognition): Tourism Solomons has been honoured by PATA for 50+ years of continuous membership, highlighting long-running regional travel cooperation. Jobs & Youth (Travel-linked economy): A World Bank report says Solomon Islands must create more jobs for its growing youth population, pointing to mining, fisheries, infrastructure spending and labour mobility as key growth drivers. Culture (Festival update): NATPAN (National Panpipe Festival) will proceed July 1–5 despite government leadership changes, with a budget around $500,000. Prime Minister Travel (Business & security): PM Matthew Wale has begun his first official overseas visit to Australia, with talks in Canberra focused on regional security, economic development and climate resilience.

Tourism Leadership: Solomon Islands’ new Minister for Culture & Tourism, James Bonuga, met Tourism Solomons and the National Tourism Office team to review the tourism agenda, marketing focus and arrivals (28,548 last year, up 13%, just short of the 2019 record). Road & City Travel: Honiara drivers and pedestrians should expect delays on Mendana Avenue through end of July as MID seals and upgrades the CBD roadworks, with lane narrowing and traffic controller guidance. Culture & Events: NATPAN (National Panpipe Festival) will go ahead July 1–5 despite government changes, with organisers aiming for a “low cost, high impact” approach. Regional Tourism Recognition: Tourism Solomons was honoured by PATA for 50+ years of continuous membership, highlighting long-running regional travel cooperation. Prime Minister Travel: PM Matthew Wale has arrived in Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese, with regional security and economic development on the agenda. Jobs & Youth: A World Bank report says Solomon Islands must create more jobs for its growing youth, pointing to opportunities in mining, fisheries, infrastructure and agriculture. Festival Travel Boost: Air Niugini backed the Aelan Riddim Music Festival by helping bring 10 visiting artists to Honiara.

Tourism Leadership: The newly appointed Minister for Culture & Tourism, James Bonuga, met Tourism Solomons and the National Tourism Office team to review the tourism agenda and marketing priorities, with visitor numbers reaching 28,548 last year (up 13% and close to the 2019 record). Road & Getting Around Honiara: Mendana Avenue sealing and works are now underway through the CBD until end of July, with lane narrowing and congestion expected—drivers and pedestrians are urged to follow traffic controllers. Culture & Events: NATPAN (Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival) will go ahead July 1–5 despite government leadership changes, with organisers aiming for a “low cost, high impact” budget around $500,000. Regional Tourism Recognition: Tourism Solomons received a PATA honour for 50+ years of continuous membership, highlighting long-running regional travel cooperation. Prime Minister’s Travel: New PM Matthew Wale begins his first official overseas trip to Australia, with talks expected to focus on security, economic development and climate resilience. Jobs & Youth: A World Bank report urges Solomon Islands to create more jobs for its growing youth population, pointing to growth drivers like mining, fisheries, infrastructure spending and labour mobility.

Road & Access in Honiara: Yacht Club Junction sealing on Mendana Avenue is finished, but more sealing is coming at Heritage Park Roundabout, SIPA Intersection and the Hot Bread Kitchen–MID to HCC stretch, with possible carriageway closures and CBD congestion through end of July. Tourism Leadership: New Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met Tourism Solomons and the National Tourism Office team, briefing on visitor arrivals (28,548 in 2025, up 13%) and pushing for tighter industry collaboration. Festival Watch: NATPAN National Panpipe Festival will go ahead July 1–5 despite government leadership changes, with a “low cost, high impact” approach and an expected budget around $500,000. Regional Culture & Music: Aelan Riddim Festival returns in Honiara this weekend (May 30) with visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local acts. Jobs & Youth: A World Bank Pacific Economic Update warns Solomon Islands must create more jobs for a growing youth population, even as mining, fisheries and infrastructure spending support growth. Prime Minister Abroad: Matthew Wale begins his first overseas visit to Australia, with talks in Canberra focused on security, economic development and climate resilience.

Ocean & Culture: Pacific voyaging leaders and ocean experts gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, with Solomon Islands among participants, to share wayfinding knowledge and push high-seas marine protection. Tourism Leadership: Solomon Islands’ new Minister for Culture & Tourism, James Bonuga, met Tourism Solomons and the National Tourism Office team, reviewing visitor numbers (28,548 last year, up 13%) and calling for tighter industry collaboration. Festival Update: Fiji’s Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year, while Solomon Islands’ National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) is set to proceed July 1–5 despite government leadership changes. Road & Travel Disruption: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue roadworks will cause CBD traffic delays and possible lane closures until end of July. Connectivity & Access: A report highlights that Solomon Islands’ main internet barriers are often institutional and affordability-related, pointing to shared community connectivity models. Regional Weather Planning: Pacific meteorological directors met in Honiara to review the PIMS 2017–2026 strategy and draft the next plan through 2036. Cyclone Recovery Watch: Prime Minister Wale is scheduled to visit Western and Choiseul cyclone-hit communities as part of recovery reassurance efforts. Music Tourism: Aelan Riddim Festival returns to Honiara this weekend with visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local performers.

New Tourism Leadership: Solomon Islands’ newly appointed Minister for Culture & Tourism James Bonuga met Tourism Solomons and the National Tourism Office team to review the tourism agenda, marketing focus and arrivals—28,548 visitors last year, up 13% and just 382 short of the 2019 record. Festival Weekend Plans: The Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns in Honiara this Saturday (May 30) with Pacific artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining local performers at Pacific Crown Hotel—Air Niugini helped bring 10 artists in. Road & City Travel: Honiara drivers should expect delays as Mendana Avenue CBD roadworks continue through late July, with lane narrowing and temporary bus-bay changes. Cyclone Recovery Watch: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is visiting cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul after Tropical Cyclone Maila, with support funded by Australia via the High Commission. Regional Weather Focus: Pacific meteorology directors are meeting in Honiara to review the PIMS 2017–2026 strategy and draft the next plan to 2036. Tourism Milestone: Tourism Solomons received a PATA honour for 50+ years of continuous membership, dating back to the early 1960s.

Tourism Leadership: Solomon Islands’ newly appointed Minister for Culture & Tourism James Bonuga has met Tourism Solomons and National Tourism Office staff, getting briefed on visitor numbers (28,548 last year, up 13% and nearing the 2019 record) and pushing for tighter collaboration across the sector. Festival Buzz: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns to Honiara this Saturday (May 30) with Pacific artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining local performers at Pacific Crown Hotel—great news for travellers planning a weekend in town. Road & City Travel: Major roadworks on Honiara’s Mendana Avenue will cause CBD traffic delays until July, with lane closures and temporary bus-bay changes—plan routes and allow extra time. Regional Weather Focus: Pacific meteorology directors are in Honiara this week reviewing the PIMS 2017–2026 strategy and drafting the next plan through 2036, funded via the EU ClimSA programme. Cyclone Recovery Watch: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is set to visit cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul, with the trip supported by Australia’s High Commission. Health & Access: A pediatric cardiology outreach reached Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, aiming to reduce the need for families to travel to Honiara for specialist heart screening.

Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons’ 50-year PATA membership has been formally recognised at the PATA 2026 Annual Summit in South Korea, with Acting CEO Dagnal Dereveke accepting the honour on behalf of the national tourism office. Music & Events: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns to Honiara this weekend (Sat, May 30) at Pacific Crown Hotel, bringing Pacific acts from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local Solomon Islands musicians. Getting Around (Honiara): Roadworks on Mendana Avenue (Hot Bread roundabout to Honiara City Council roundabout) are expected to cause CBD traffic delays until end of July, with lane narrowing and temporary bus bay changes. Getting Around (Honiara): Separate Hot Bread Roundabout drainage works begin Monday, May 25, with short-term lane closures and diversions expected to cause congestion. Sports (Honiara): NSC’s “Ping for Fun” table tennis program has wrapped up its first eight-week grassroots phase, introducing many young participants to the sport. Health (Malaita): A pediatric cardiology outreach team held heart screening and specialist consultations at Kilu’ufi Hospital, aiming to reduce the need for families to travel to Honiara. Regional Travel Context: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale is set to visit Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese on June 3, with economic development and security on the agenda.

Tourism Milestone: Tourism Solomons’ 50+ years of continuous PATA membership has been formally recognised at the PATA 2026 Annual Summit in South Korea, with the honour accepted by Acting CEO Dagnal Dereveke. Regional Visitor Insights: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Tourism Authority of Kiribati released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2025 Annual Report, part of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative funded by New Zealand, offering fresh detail on visitor spending and satisfaction across the region (including Solomon Islands in the PTDI network). Music & Culture in Honiara: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns this weekend (Sat, May 30) at Pacific Crown Hotel, bringing Pacific acts from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu together with local Solomon Islands performers. Honiara Roads for Travellers: Mendana Avenue CBD roadworks are expected to cause traffic delays until end of July, with lane narrowing and temporary bus-bay changes; separate Hot Bread Roundabout works also bring short-term diversions and congestion. Sports for Families: The NSC’s “Ping for Fun” table tennis pilot in Honiara has wrapped up after eight weeks, with plans to expand grassroots participation. Health Access: A pediatric cardiology outreach reached Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, aiming to reduce the need for families to travel to Honiara for specialist heart screening. New Leadership Abroad: Newly elected PM Matthew Wale will visit Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese in Canberra on June 3, with economic development and security expected on the agenda.

Aelan Riddim Festival (Honiara): Pacific Crown Hotel hosts the Aelan Riddim Music Festival on Saturday, May 30, with visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining local performers—Air Niugini is backing travel for 10 artists to help keep the regional lineup strong. Tourism Milestone: Tourism Solomons’ long-running PATA membership (over 50 years) was formally recognised at PATA’s 2026 Annual Summit in South Korea. Cyclone Recovery Visit: Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel by charter flight and patrol boat to cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul, with Australian funding supporting the reassurance and recovery push. Road & Travel Disruption (Honiara): Drainage works at Hot Bread Roundabout start Monday, May 25, with temporary traffic changes and delays expected; separate road sealing works continue around key CBD junctions. People-Focused Tourism Leadership: New Culture and Tourism Minister James Bonuga urged ministry staff to prioritise service delivery as tourism planning continues. Family-Friendly Health Access: A pediatric cardiology outreach reached Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, aiming to reduce the need for families to travel to Honiara for specialist care.

Aelan Riddim Festival (Honiara): Pacific Crown Hotel hosts the Aelan Riddim show on Saturday, May 30, with visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining Solomon Islands performers; organisers say it’s a big Melanesian music and unity night, and Air Niugini helped bring 10 artists to Honiara. Tourism Recognition: Tourism Solomons’ 50+ years of continuous PATA membership was honoured at PATA’s 2026 Annual Summit in South Korea, highlighting long-running regional cooperation. Cyclone Recovery Visit: New PM Matthew Wale will travel by charter flight and patrol boat to cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul to support recovery, with Australian funding via the High Commission. Road & City Travel: Short works at Hot Bread Roundabout will start Monday (drainage pits and stormwater pipes) with temporary lane changes; separate Mendana Avenue sealing is progressing, with more closures expected later. Community & Family Travel: Pediatric cardiology outreach reached Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, aiming to reduce the need for families to travel to Honiara for specialist heart care. Business/Innovation for Visitors: Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for innovators working on agrifood solutions in Small Island Developing States, with Solomon Islands teams encouraged to apply.

Music & Culture: Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns in Honiara this weekend, with visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining local performers; Air Niugini is backing the regional line-up by helping 10 artists travel. Tourism Recognition: Tourism Solomons’ 50+ years of continuous PATA membership has been honoured at PATA’s 2026 Annual Summit in South Korea. New Leadership & Travel: Prime Minister Matthew Wale heads to Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese in Canberra on June 3, with economic development and security expected on the agenda. Cyclone Recovery: Wale is set to visit cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul, with Australian funding supporting the reassurance trip. Roads & Getting Around: Hot Bread Roundabout drainage works begin in Honiara Monday, with short-term lane changes and delays expected. Community Events: Solomon Islands Chess Tournament 2026 is set for Sunday at Outback Holiday Resort in Rove after a venue change. Health & Access: Pediatric cardiology outreach reached Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, aiming to reduce families’ need to travel to Honiara. Infrastructure & Growth: Road projects in Isabel Province are progressing, including Koge–Koregu, Tholana–Haevo and Garaga works.

Australia Talks Kick Off: Newly elected PM Matthew Wale heads to Canberra for talks with Anthony Albanese on June 3, with economic development and Pacific security high on the agenda—after Wale previously criticised a 2022 China deal but has since softened his stance. Cyclone Recovery Focus: Wale will also visit cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul, with the trip funded by Australia via the High Commission. Health Capacity Building: Chinese medical teams are shifting from short-term aid to longer-term capacity, bringing specialist care closer to remote patients. Tourism Spotlight: Tourism Solomons’ 50+ year PATA membership was honoured at PATA’s 2026 summit, while Air Niugini backs regional artists for the Aelan Riddim festival in Honiara. Road & City Moves: Hot Bread Roundabout drainage works begin soon in Honiara, and Isabel Province road projects are progressing with new machinery. Business & Culture: India–Solomon Islands investment talks at WASME Forum push an “investment corridor,” and NATPAN 2026 panpipe festival themes highlight kastom heritage.

SEZ Push in Haikou: Solomon Islands officials are in China for a three-week capacity-building seminar on planning and managing special economic zones, with field visits across Hainan and exchanges planned in Shenzhen—aimed at boosting industrial park know-how and trade ties. Festival Flights & Culture: Air Niugini is backing the Aelan Riddim Music Festival in Honiara by helping 10 Pacific artists travel, adding to a growing push to connect regional creativity. Tourism Credibility: Tourism Solomons received a PATA honour for 50+ years of continuous membership, while the Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati tourism authority released the 2025 International Visitor Survey report to guide marketing and planning. Policy Pressure: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer default visas could cost NZ about $1–2 million a year, even as officials say the move supports easier travel. On-the-ground Updates: Road works continue around Honiara’s Hot Bread Roundabout with short disruptions, and Isabel Province road projects are progressing as machinery is staged for upcoming groundbreakings. What’s Next: A Solomon Islands chess tournament is set for Sunday at Outback Holiday Resort in Rove, after a venue change.

Festival Boost: Air Niugini is helping Melanesian artists reach Honiara for the Aelan Riddim Music Festival on Saturday, 30 May—10 visiting performers flown in, joining 14 local acts. Tourism Recognition: Tourism Solomons just received a PATA honour for 50+ years of continuous membership, underlining its long-running regional tourism ties. Travel Policy Pressure: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer default visas are expected to cost millions in revenue—good for access, but a budget headache. Connectivity Lessons: A Solomon Islands Starlink workaround is being highlighted as a practical model for how Pacific communities tackle internet gaps. Road & City Moves: Short works are underway around Honiara’s Hot Bread Roundabout with temporary lane changes, while Isabel Province road projects keep progressing. People-First Service: The new Culture and Tourism Minister is pushing staff to focus on better service delivery as tourism priorities shift. On the Calendar: Solomon Islands chess is building momentum ahead of Sunday’s tournament at Outback Holiday Resort in Rove.