Kiwi travel to the Solomon Islands and Tonga is growing steadily, driven by an increase in access, awareness and a desire from New Zealanders for ‘undiscovered’ destinations.
Richard Skewes, who represents both Tonga Tourism Authority and Tourism Solomons in New Zealand, says many New Zealand travellers have already explored Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands extensively, so there is a strong appetite for something new in the Pacific.
“The Solomon Islands and Tonga offer a very different experience… Tonga’s preserved Polynesian traditions and royal heritage are particularly appealing, while the Solomon Islands offer incredible nature, WWII history and untouched marine environments.”
He tells Travel Today interest from the New Zealand market is growing for both destinations, pointing out an 11% increase year-on-year in visitor arrivals from New Zealand to the Solomons.
Among the reasons for this alongside gradually improving access, was the success of the joint Solomon Islands and Tonga road shows late last year.
“As connectivity improves and awareness grows through trade engagement, we expect the Kiwi market to become increasingly important.”
As such, going ahead Skewes says education remains the key priority. “Travel agents need confidence and knowledge to sell destinations that may be newer to them.”
Both destinations have committed to the Treasures of the South Pacific roadshows in 2026, and Skewes adds a self-famil program is currently under development that will allow qualified travel agents to visit the destinations independently with special industry support and rates from participating suppliers.
“These programs are designed to make it easier for agents to experience the destinations first-hand and build the confidence to sell them to their clients.”
In addition, Skewes is planning major buyer tourism exchange events later this year, bringing together key wholesalers, tourism operators and industry partners to strengthen product knowledge and distribution across the trade.
