Pictured the Tourism Solomons team attending the 2026 Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami last week. Annually attracting more than 11,500 attendees, including 650 exhibitors, 80 cruise line brands, and representatives from 125 countries, Seatrade Cruise Global is widely recognised as the most influential annual forum for cruise tourism development, infrastructure planning, and commercial partnerships. The team’s visit is seen as opportunistic given it follows hot on the heels of an upswing in cruise ship numbers visiting the Solomon Islands throughout 2026 and increased attention from cruise lines planning to include the Solomon Islands in their itineraries in 2027. From left to right: Tourism Solomons marketing officer, Eldona Lokay; US PR representative, Susan Bejeckian, and Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke.  -ENDS- RPT

Over spread of Red Eye and Diarrhoea within communities By ULUTAH GINASolomon Star, Gizo Health authorities in Western Province have issued a warning to communities in Simbo and Ranongga islands to take precautionary measures against the spread of red eye infections and diarrhoea following the impact of Cyclone Maila. Emu Harbour Clinic Nursing Supervisor, Mrs Liconia Cynthia, raised concerns over increasing cases linked to poor hygiene and unsafe drinking water, particularly in the aftermath of the cyclone. She said a number of children were treated over the weekend for symptoms including vomiting and stomach pain.“Over the weekend, a few children presented with vomiting and abdominal pain,” Mrs Cynthia told Solomon Star in an interview. She attributed the cases to the consumption of unsafe water and inadequate handwashing practices.“This is due to unhealthy water consumption. Poor hygiene practices can affect both children and adults after the cyclone,” she added. Mrs Cynthia further...

Tourists were warmly welcomed with traditional dances, shell money-making demonstrations and more By SOLOMON LOFANASolomon Star, Auki Villagers in Langalanga Lagoon, Malaita Province, have benefited from a visit by a tourist vessel to the Busu Shell Money Cultural Village on Thursday 16th April 2026. The vessel, Hanseatic Inspiration, carried about 180 passengers, mostly from Germany and Switzerland, as part of a cultural tour aimed at experiencing local traditions. The ship arrived in Malaita after spending several days in Western Province and Honiara. During the visit, tourists were warmly welcomed with traditional Langalanga dances, shell money-making demonstrations, and displays of shell products crafted by local villagers. Highlights of the tour included demonstrations of shell money production and bridal gift ceremonies, offering visitors valuable insight into local marriage customs.  Tourists also witnessed artificial island building, a unique cultural practice found in parts of Malaita. A villager, Mr Michael Wale, said the visit provided an important...