Indigenous Australian businesses are building connections with local businesses to support a growing cultural and eco-tourism sector in Solomon Islands. 

Elisha Kissick, a proud Quandamooka woman and founder of Yura Tours on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Australia, met with twelve local tourism businesses.

They are; Iumi Tours, Go Solomons Travel and Tours, Tulagi Tours, Taflabana, Roderick Bay, Savo Sunset Lodge, Zipolo Habu Resort, Tetepare Eco Lodge, Titiru Eco Lodge, Suki Wild, Parangiju, and Nugu Beach Resort.

This was to deliver an eco-tourism workshop at Parangiju Mountain Lodge under the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership. 

The week-long workshop strengthened Solomon Islands’ cultural and eco- tourism sector by helping participants to explore embedding culture in tourism products, creating meaningful visitor engagement, and marketing to international travellers. 

The hands-on sessions encouraged storytelling, peer exchange, and practical product development tailored to each business.

Ms Kissick said she was grateful for the opportunity to connect across the Pacific Ocean.

“This workshop was a key step in amplifying First Nations voices in Solomon Islands and global tourism. The passion and creativity of the participants reflect a bright future for eco-cultural tourism led by First Nations people. It was a privilege to deliver the workshop and witness such engagement,’’ Ms Kissick said.

Jenno Hughes from Zipolo Habu Resort  said the First Nations Eco-Tourism Workshop was really helpful.

“It gave us great ideas on how to bring more of our traditional knowledge and culture into our current tours and even inspired some new ones. We’ve come up with an awesome new package because of it, stay tuned!” 

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said collaborations like this not only improve visitor experience, but keep the rich cultures of Solomon Islands alive. 

“There are many similarities between Australia’s First Nations and Solomon Islander communities and shared learning can lead to meaningful outcomes including economic empowerment and new local jobs for Solomon Islanders,” High Commissioner Hilton said.   

The workshop built on Australia’s support in 2024 for four tourism operators to travel to Australia to see Yura Tours’ operations first-hand and build connections between the Solomon Islands and the Australian business community.