Tourism Solomons (TS) has appointed Andrew Nihopara as its new Chief Executive Officer, ending a more than five-year vacancy in the organisation’s top executive position.
TS Board Chairman Tony Langston said Nihopara’s extensive regional experience, strategic leadership and strong profile across the Asia-Pacific tourism sector would be a major asset as Solomon Islands works to strengthen its international tourism presence.
“Mr Nihopara brings extensive experience and a strong understanding of the regional tourism landscape at an important time for Tourism Solomons,” Langston said.
Nihopara has more than two decades of experience in tourism and the public sector across Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific.
He previously served as Head of Marketing at Tourism Solomons from 2001 to 2004.
From 2006 to 2011, he served as Marketing Manager and Deputy CEO of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), based in Suva, Fiji.
During his time with SPTO, Nihopara was recognised as the Pacific-Asia Travel Association (PATA) Face of the Future.
He also served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Solomon Islands, where he was involved in tourism policy development and implementation.
Nihopara holds a Master of Commerce in Management and Public Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific.
He also holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University in New Zealand.
His appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process conducted by KPMG Fiji and a three-member selection committee appointed by the new TS Board on 9 July 2026.
Langston congratulated Nihopara on his appointment and said the board looked forward to working with him.
“We wish Andrew every success in his new role and look forward to working with him as Tourism Solomons continues to strengthen the destination’s visibility and grow international visitor markets,” he said.
