Print this page
Solomons insists it is safe for tourists

25apr06

THE Solomon Islands tourism chief was trying to convince visitors it is safe to return to the riot-torn country, even though foreign governments tell their citizens to stay away.

Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau general manager Michael Tokuru today insisted the capital Honiara "is once again safe" after mobs torched parts of the city in a wave of politically motivated violence last week.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned citizens against travelling to the Pacific country due to the civil unrest.

The riots destroyed up to 80 per cent of the city's Chinatown, along with hotels and restaurants.

The violence followed the election by MPs of Snyder Rini as prime minister, whom protesters claim bought the leadership role with the aid of money from Chinese businessmen.

Mr Tokuru said 150 beds were lost because of the destruction of the Pacific Casino Hotel, and 300 jobs were lost in the tourism industry.

"However, tourism in all other parts of the country, especially in the hub of tourism activity, the Western Province, is unaffected," Mr Tokuru said.

He said it was too early to assess how the two days of rioting had affected the tourism industry.

A dusk-to-dawn curfew applies in Honiara.

privacy      terms      © Advertiser Newspapers Pty Limited