Tourism Solomons earns PATA recognition for 50 years of commitment to regional tourism cooperation
Long before the Solomon Islands gained independence from Great Britain in 1978, its national tourism body was already establishing a footprint on the global stage.
Originally founded as the Solomon Islands Tourism Authority in the early 1960s, the organization secured membership with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) while still operating under British colonial administration—a rare feat for a colonial-era tourist board.
That five-decade history of continuous partnership has now been formally recognized by PATA at its 2026 Annual Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.
Fiona Teama, Tourism Solomons Head of Sales and Marketing, highlighted the significance of the milestone, which coincides with PATA’s 75th anniversary.
“PATA is celebrating their 75th Anniversary this year, so they are acknowledging consistent members over the years, of which Solomon Islands Tourism have been a consistent member over 50 years.”
“It’s a dedication to past CEOs, GMs and staff over the span of 50 years of commitment to being a member of PATA,” Ms Teama said.
Commitment to regional cooperation
Accepting the award in South Korea, Acting CEO of Tourism Solomons, Dagnal Dereveke, said the accolade underscores the country’s deep-rooted commitment to regional tourism cooperation.
Mr Dereveke paid tribute to the successive chairpersons, board members, general managers, and staff who steered the local industry through decades of regional growth, major challenges, and global transformation.
Legacy leaders remembered
The summit also served to highlight individuals who elevated the Solomon Islands’ profile within the international travel network.
Mr Dereveke specifically acknowledged:
- The late Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto: The influential former CEO who gained international kudos for Tourism Solomons when he was invited to join the PATA executive board in 2019.
- Andrew Nihopara: The former Ministry of Culture & Tourism Permanent Secretary who was named PATA’s ‘Face of the Future’ in 2009 during his tenure as Marketing Manager for the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.
