Nestled in the corner of the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands has been attracting international tourists since 1568 when Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana first cruised into its shores.
Today, this tropical treasure trove is garnering the attention of a new wave of travellers worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why.
An archipelago of 992 scattered tropical islands and atolls, with terrain ranging from richly forested mountainous to colourful coral reefs, the re-emerging Solomon Islands is a multi-faceted destination with something to offer every traveller’s taste, style, and budget.
So if you’re looking for a sure-fire destination that offers something completely different and guaranteed to wow your clients, look no further.
Culture
A rich and ancient culture comprising three very distinct ethnic groups – Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian – speaking more than 250 languages, it is very easy for travellers to immerse themselves in a truly living and very welcoming culture experience. Beyond the capital Honiara, there are few roads and the major form of transport is banana boats and dugout canoes.
Visitors can also pique their cultural interests with the myriad traditional arts and crafts the Solomon Islands are renowned for producing. Finely made and intricately designed wood and stone carvings, baskets, paintings and jewellery can be purchased at markets – in some places the villagers bring their wares to resorts in their dugout canoes. Few visitors to the Solomon islands return empty-handed.
The ancient traditions of the Solomon islanders can be seen in many places throughout the archipelago but none more so than on Skull Island in the Western province which, true to its names, is home to a vast collection of skulls taken by fierce Solomon islanders less than 150 years ago.
Diving
Whether island hopping on a live-aboard boat or stationed on one of the many stunning eco-luxury resorts, the Solomon Islands is a mecca for scuba diving. It truly is an Oceanic wonder, boasting an abundance of wildlife, from dugongs, turtles, and sharks. And if that wasn’t a sight enough to behold, the historic ship, aircraft, and even submarine wrecks from World War II that sit upon the sea floor make the diving destination all the more extraordinary.
Fishing
Do you have clients who are avid fishermen? Then they will be thrilled by the endless fishing opportunities that the Solomon Islands has in store, situated in the Coral Sea between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, an area boasting the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. The crystal waters in this undisturbed gem of the Pacific are teeming with fish, and favourable conditions for fishing year-round make this an unbeatable destination for both sport fishing and jungle river fishing including the highly-sought Spot Tail Bass.
Surfing
Surfers are slowly becoming aware of The Solomon Islands’ reputation for world-class diving. And during November to April, the northern Pacific swells move in from Hawaii and bring the destination’s reefs and north-western facing islands to life with some of the planet’s most perfect waves. And what’s more? They’re uncrowded.
There are dozens of ideal secret spots waiting to be discovered across the archipelago. But the best-known regions for surfing are currently Gizo in the Western Province, Santa Isabel Province, the Florida Islands and North Malaita.
History
For your World War II history buffs, the Solomon Islands is a destination with a robust history as a fierce WW11 battleground when the might of Imperial Japan took on the US Marines ina very bloody conflict. Many local tour guides offer moving stories about the destination’s history. Visitors can witness significant sites, like the American memorial at Skyline Ridge and the Japanese Solomons Peace memorial. Historic artifacts still litter islands – rusted jeeps and tanks, weaponry and military sites offer a haunting and unforgettable window into the past.
Island Hopping
There’s so much to do and see in the Solomon Islands; your clients won’t be able to sit still! From scaling Kolombangara volcano in the Western Province to chasing waterfalls alike the magnificent Tenaru Falls.
Luckily, one of the most convenient ways to hop around the Solomon Islands is by air, and Solomon Airlines flies to 20 domestic destinations across the country. All provinces are also accessible by boat, with regular passenger boat services from Honiara to Auki in Malaita Province and Tulagi, Central Province and Western Province.
Eco/Enviro
For your clients after an eco-adventure, a stay at one of Solomon Island’s community-owned eco-lodges offers a rich and unique experience of ancient traditional rituals, contemporary village life, and of course, a warm local welcome.
This Pacific treasure is good to go and guaranteed to leave you with happy customers, be they families, nature lovers, honeymooners, sports adventurers, yachters, culture-seekers or those just looking to go off the beaten track.
And better yet, unbeknownst to many Aussie travellers, the Solomon Islands are well within reach – less than three hours from Brisbane to the Solomon Islands’ capital, Honiara flying with Solomon Airlines.
So next time you’re looking for a surefire hit, sell your clients the Solomon Islands.
