By Georgina Maka’a

 Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has officially opened the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Council of Tourism Ministers meeting in Honiara tonight, calling for unified regional action to tackle climate change, high travel costs, and limited air connectivity.

Addressing delegates from 15 Pacific Island nations, Wale emphasized that regional cooperation must yield tangible results for local communities while aligning tourism development with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

“Our collective goal must be sustainable growth that directly enriches our people and protects our fragile ecosystems,” Wale said.

Emphasizing sustainable development over raw visitor numbers, the Prime Minister announced the re-launch of the national “Happy Isles” brand to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and natural environment.

He also  outlined three core priorities for the council: expanding regional air connectivity, building climate-resilient tourism that benefits rural communities, and strengthening the SPTO to translate policy into action.

“We must turn our shared vision into decisive, actionable steps,” Wale urged.

Echoing those priorities, South Pacific Tourism Organization Chairlady and Chief Executive Officer  of Vanuatu Tourism Adela Issachar Aru stressed the need to pool resources in the face of global uncertainty.

“By joining forces, we can overcome our isolation and build a resilient tourism industry that serves the entire Pacific family,” Aru said, encouraging ministers to deliver tangible outcomes.

The three-day ministerial council brings together regional leaders and officials from 15 pacific island countries in Honiara to align strategies across the Pacific tourism sector.

The meeting ends Thursday this week