Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on 16 Januaryt led the opening of the upgraded Parangiju Mountain Lodge in Central Guadalcanal, marking a government-backed push to strengthen tourism as a driver of economic growth in Solomon Islands.
Manele was the chief guest at the ceremony, which marked the completion of new bungalows, additional rooms and expanded services at the lodge. The upgrade was funded through a grant approved under the Government of Solomon Islands’ 2025 Budget Support Programme and administered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Speaking at the event, the prime minister said the investment reflects the government’s strategic focus on tourism to support job creation, private-sector development and inclusive growth.
“The Government recognises tourism as a powerful driver for inclusive growth. Through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, we are supporting local operators to expand quality accommodation, improve services and develop tourism products that will attract more visitors to our country,” Manele said.
He congratulated the owners and management of Parangiju Mountain Lodge for their vision and commitment, describing the upgraded facility as an example of sustainable, nature-based tourism that highlights Guadalcanal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
“One of the constraints to tourism growth in Solomon Islands has been limited room inventory. The expansion of Parangiju Mountain Lodge directly addresses this challenge and contributes to our long-term ambition of reaching 100,000 visitors by 2035,” the prime minister said.
Manele also acknowledged the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for supporting local operators through grant assistance, training and technical guidance, enabling Solomon Islanders to participate in and benefit from the tourism industry.
He encouraged the lodge’s management to continue working closely with surrounding communities to ensure tourism development remains inclusive, environmentally responsible and culturally grounded, while creating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
The prime minister further urged local entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in nature-based and cultural tourism, citing the Parangiju Mountain Lodge project as an example of what can be achieved through partnerships between government, communities and the private sector.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister for Culture and Tourism Choylin Yim Douglas, Guadalcanal Province Premier William Atu, senior government officials, tourism stakeholders, community leaders and members of the lodge owners’ families.
