SOLOMON tourism continues to increase its inventory – this time with a 16-bed hotel in Gizo.
Tourism Minister Choylin Yim Douglas described Hotel Zaru as a significant milestone.
With a fully equipped conference facility and commercial rental spaces, the hotel allows the remote town to boost tourism, business travel, and events.
“This type of development is exactly what we need to boost both our domestic and international tourism,’’ Douglas said.
“Tourism is a priority sector for economic growth and diversification. We want to see more quality rooms. We want to see better standards. We want to see local investors taking the lead in shaping the future of our tourism industry.”
Gizo, capital of the Western Province, is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands and has a small landing strip on the nearby island of Nusatupe, 380 kilometres from the capital, Honiara.
The addition of conference facilities is particularly significant, opening new opportunities for meetings, workshops, and small-scale events in Western Province, an area traditionally known more for leisure tourism than business travel.
Douglas said the hotel would boost local opportunities and stimulate the island economy.
Tourism Solomon’s Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, said the hotel was a timely and strategic addition to Western Province’s accommodation portfolio.
“As we continue targeted marketing in Australia, New Zealand, and other key source markets, having quality room stock in destinations like Western Province is critical,’’ Dereveke said
“This development enhances our destination credibility and supports our message that the Solomon Islands offers authentic experiences backed by reliable, comfortable, and affordable infrastructure.”
Source: Indepth Solomons