DRAFT Resolutions 014 NATIONAL TOURISM FORUM OUTCOMES During the 2014 National Tourism Forum (NTF) there were a number of issues raised that needed careful consideration and subsequent action by the relevant government authorities as well as private sector organizations. The issues varied however there were a number of key issues that the NTF has agreed to pursue further with the relevant partners in the industry and these are outlined in the following statements. Product Development The NTF resolved that: • a minimum standards requirement be introduced immediately under the appropriate government ministry and for this information to be circulated as widely as possible throughout the country • a taskforce be set up to ascertain ways and means of accessing finance in particular for SME’s and local operators • that the traditional resource owners be considered as “equity partners” in tourism projects particularly those that will utilize their resources. It was also highlighted for the need for this to be part of future government policy • Cruise-ship committee be enhanced and appropriately resourced so it can better cater for the various needs of the cruising market. This will help improve our reputation as a cruising destination Tourism Infrastructure The NTF resolved that: Airports • Henderson airport needs immediate attention in the form of renovation with particular emphasis on sanitation and air-conditioning • Government through its appropriate ministries(MID/Aviation/Lands) to sort out landowning issues affecting domestic airports as well as improving their maintenance Roads • Secondary/Feeder roads in Honiara to be improved for visitors to access our natural habitats and other site seeing options (war relics and monuments) • That all provincial roads be improved and proper maintenance schedules be drawn up to allow visitors to access products in the provinces Ports • The NTF resolves that government provide the necessary assistance for the immediate implementation of SIPA’s strategic plan. This will cover both the domestic and international ports. • That the appropriate government authority to complete all navigation and hydrographical requirements to facilitate foreign and local vessels including yachts safe passage into our waters Marketing The NTF resolved that: • There needs to be more focus on the promotion of our culture and heritage • There needs to be more aggressive use of online platform in the promotion of the destination • SIVB to have an updated and robust online presence • there be continuous research undertaking to better understand our client base • SIVB to review our current brand and ascertain whether it can take us into the next decade • Create passion and pride for the destination via schools and community programs • Increase support to SIVB for international promotional programs Human Capital/Statistics • The NTF resolved that more local training at provincial and national level be encouraged to cover specific areas of need for tourism stakeholders • That the international visitor surveys be carried out on a regular basis to help us better understand how we are performing against visitor expectations • That the immigration department and the BOS provide timely data to the industry so as to ascertain performance against competitors Investment & Safety and Security The NTF resolved that: • Government to provide sufficient incentives (tax and duty) specifically for the tourism industry • Government to assist small operators/investors through the simplification of tax systems • Government to provide “preferential treatment” of local hotel operators via specific funding specifically set up for this purpose. It was suggested that could be done in conjunction with CBSI • The provision of budget support to subsidize Solomon Airlines and SIVB with their international promotions The NTF resolved that: • There is a need to have public awareness programs (by the relevant authorities Police/MCT/SIVB etc) carried out to the people to ensure that our guests feel at home in our country • Empower law enforcement authorities to deal with safety and security issues decisively and in a timely manner • Need to have well trained tour guides to be with our guests all the way • The government through the Ministry of Women, Youth and Sports to facilitate youth engagement programs throughout the year
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 23:40:53 +0000
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