New Australian flights welcomed

The introduction of new flights to Australia from the Solomon Islands has been welcomed by the region’s visitor bureau.

The introduction of new flights to Australia from the Solomon Islands has been welcomed by the region’s visitor bureau.

Michael Tokura, general manager of the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau, explained that an increase in flights between the two countries could help to increase tourism revenue.

In particular, he welcomed the introduction of direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth from Honiara but admitted that the country’s government needs to encourage more upgrades to airfields.

Plans are in place to upgrade the Munda airfield so that it can eventually accept larger craft and increased flight numbers.

“This would mean more tourists coming into the country which will benefit Solomon Islanders who are involved in the tourism industry,” Mr Tokuru said.

The Solomon Islands are made up of 992 islands of which 147 have residents. The six main islands are Choiseul, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira.

Written by Ruth Norris.