“Business as usual” in Honiara following civil unrest: Tourism Solomons CEO

“Business as usual” in Honiara following civil unrest: Tourism Solomons CEO

Tourism Solomons has advised that full normal services have resumed in Honiara following violent protests in the nation’s capital.

The election of Manasseh Sogavare as the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands for the fourth time on Wednesday spurred isolated incidents of violence and vandalism in the Kukum, China Town, Burns Creek and Henderson areas, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Tourism Solomons CEO Josefa Tuamoto said the main demonstrations had taken place well away from the city’s main tourism corridors.

“Hotel and resort guests beyond being asked to stay on property during the demonstrations have not been affected at any time,” he said.

“Basically, it’s very much business as usual and it appears that everything has gone back to normal in and around Honiara.”

Tuamoto echoed comments made by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) praising the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for its work in managing the civil unrest.

“The approach taken by the RSIPF yesterday was for physical presence rather than aggression,” the SICCI statement read.

“Their work yesterday was one of utmost professionalism and endurance.”

Solomon Airlines said the civil unrest did cause some delays for its domestic services, with some passengers being held up while trying to reach Henderson Airfield.

An airline spokesperson said the cancellation of its Friday Brisbane-to-Honiara service is due to an unscheduled maintenance check and has nothing to do with the civil unrest.

Latest News

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]