Our Main Economic Drivers

OUR TUNA INDUSTRY

Like most tuna-fishing countries in the Pacific region, Solomon Islands values the effective conservation, management and development of our tuna as a regional resource, and a high degree of cooperation between coastal states is of importance.

Solomon Islands has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 1.58 million square kilometers, making it the second largest in the Pacific region. Fisheries and marine resources play a critical role in the national economy, being the second largest source of export income after forestry. Our Offshore fisheries is dominated by tuna fishing, comprising of purse-seine, long-line and. pole and line fishery sectors.

The annual catch of the four main tuna species (albacore, bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin) from the Pacific region averages around 2.5 million tonnes, with about 6% of this coming from Solomon Islands waters . The estimated value of the Solomon Islands catch (at first point of sale) is about SBD 2400 million per year. In 2017, the Solomon Islands government received more than SBD 300 million in fisheries access and administrative fees.

The sector was estimated to employ more than 5000 people in the formal sector in 2004 and this figure is expected to have increased in the intervening years.

Our Oil Palm Industry

Solomon Islands Oil Palm industry is operated by the Guadalcanal Plans Pail Oil Ltd. and is one of the largest contributing export revenue generators for Solomon Islands.

GPPOL has been in operation since 2005, covering 7000 hectares of land and produces around 16,000 tonnes of oil palm kernals, to which 40,000 tonnes of oil are exported per year. The industry has around 1300-1500 employees. Our Oil Palm Industry recognizes the importance of local landowning groups and their participation in developing our natural resources to foster economic growth.

The local landowners account for 20% participation in the business, with recognized involvement from Small-Medium Enterprises.

[Photo Credit: GPPOL PLains, Michael Palmer]

Our Tourism Industry

The tourism industry in the Solomon Islands is steadily recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitor numbers grew from 26,000 in 2017 to 28,900 in 2019, but dropped to 4,400 in 2020 due to travel restrictions. By 2023, arrivals rebounded to 25,996, with further growth in 2024. Tourism contributes significantly to the economy, with $82 million in expenditures in 2019, though this fell sharply during the pandemic. Most visitors travel for business or leisure.

With ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and promote eco-tourism, the Solomon Islands is emerging as a top destination for adventure, culture, and history in the Pacific.

Why visit the Solomon Islands?

1. Breathtaking Nature & Islands

Over 900 tropical islands with white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush rainforests.
The Marovo Lagoon, the world’s largest saltwater lagoon, is a UNESCO World Heritage nominee.
Tetepare Island, the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific, is a paradise for ecotourism and wildlife lovers.

2. World-Class Diving & Snorkeling

Explore spectacular coral reefs, underwater caves, and WWII shipwrecks in crystal-clear waters.
Dive at the famous Munda and Gizo sites, home to diverse marine life including manta rays, sharks, and dolphins.
Visit Tulagi and Iron Bottom Sound to see sunken warships and aircraft from World War II.

3. Unique Culture & Traditions

Experience authentic Melanesian culture, traditional music, dance, and local festivals.
Witness the famous panpipe music performances and learn about ancient customs.
Visit remote villages where locals welcome you with warm hospitality and share their way of life.

4. Historical & WWII Sites

The Solomon Islands played a key role in World War II, with major battles fought on its shores.
Explore the Guadalcanal battlefields, visit war memorials, and dive at historic wreck sites.
Visit the Vilu War Museum to see artifacts, aircraft, and relics from the Pacific War.

Travel Information

How to get there

International Flights: The main international gateway is Honiara International Airport (HIR). Flights are available from Brisbane (Australia), Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.
Domestic Travel: Island-hopping is best done via domestic flights, boats, and ferries.

Best time to visit

The Solomon Islands has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
The dry season (May–October) is the best time for travel, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
The wet season (November–April) brings tropical rain, but it’s still great for diving and cultural experiences.

Tourism Services & Contact Information

For more information on travel, tour packages, and accommodations, visit the official Solomon Islands Tourism website.