BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has an allocation of SBD $46.4 million in the 2026 budget, which will focus on strengthening the tourism sector in the country.     

Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon Choylin Yim Douglas announced the budget, when contributing to the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025, in parliament last week.

She said the ministry is pleased that its budget allocation for 2026 remains at the same strengthened level as 2025.

“Our priorities for 2026 will continue to build on the momentum established this year under three programs,” the Choylin said.

The Minister outlined the breakdown of the SBD $46.4 million budget as follows;

• SBD $22 million allocated for tourism development and institutional strengthening program
• SBD $14.2 million allocated for national tourism product development program
• SBD $10.2 million allocated for national cultural heritage and tourism infrastructure program.

She said the main focus will be on strengthening the accommodation supply chain, developing new cultural, natural and heritage-based tourism products.

Ms Choylin added the budget will also look at improving visitor experiences, working with partners to enhance air, land and sea connectivity.

She said it will also prioritise development in key tourism hubs, Honiara, Munda, Tulagi and Auki, to target quick wins and address low-hanging opportunities.

Photo: Supplied

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