Stealing a march on its regional opposition, the Solomon Islands was the only South Pacific nation represented at the inaugural event which attracted some 300 of the Australian travel industry’s most senior industry faces and key decision makers.

Representing the Solomon Islands at the recent ‘Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) Beyond Borders’ summit in Sydney was Tourism Solomons’ Trade Manager Australia/New Zealand, Richard Skewes and Senior Marketing Officer, Brenden Mautoa.

Mr Skewes said It was very rare to have an opportunity to be in the same room at the same time as some of the “biggest hitters” in the Australian travel industry.

“It is even rarer to be the only South Pacific destination represented at a major travel industry event,” he said.

“To say we took full advantage of the opportunity to talk to as many of the 300-odd delegates as possible would be an understatement.

“If these people didn’t know about what the Solomon Islands has to offer Australian travellers, they certainly do now!” 

ATIA is a peak body for the travel industry in Australia. It represents a wide range of travel businesses, including tour operators, wholesalers, and travel agents. The ATIA’s mission is to promote travel, uphold the interests of travel businesses, and boost the confidence of travellers. 

The inaugural ‘Beyond Borders’ strategy represents the culmination of a three-year initiative aimed at  promoting long-term growth, innovation, and sustainability for the association and the broader travel industry.