Published on
October 22, 2025
Australia, China, the United States, and New Zealand are leading a 21% surge in visitor arrivals to the Solomon Islands, marking a significant shift in the country’s tourism landscape. This rise is not only a reflection of the island nation’s growing appeal as a unique travel destination but also a boost to its airlines and hospitality sectors. As international interest in the Solomon Islands increases, travelers are drawn to its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and eco-tourism opportunities. With more flights, expanded accommodations, and an enhanced focus on sustainable tourism, the Solomon Islands is quickly becoming one of the top spots in the Pacific for those seeking adventure, culture, and unspoiled landscapes. The surge in visitor numbers signals a promising future for the country’s tourism industry, providing both economic growth and greater global recognition.
Australia, China, United States, and New Zealand Lead 21% Surge in Solomon Islands Visitor Arrivals,
The Solomon Islands are a dazzling wonder of the Pacific. Recently, they have become a more popular target for many travelers, especially for the residents of the Australia, China, the United States, and New Zealand. The islands’ tourism business benefits from this growing clientele, and the increase in visitors has a positive impact on the region’s airline and hospitality services. As the most popular destinations among the visiting clientele, the islands provide opportunities for travelers to appreciate the islands’ cultures and picturesque landscapes, including eco-tourism. This article discusses the increasing number of tourists, the main airlines responsible for the increase, and what to expect when visiting Solomon Islands.
Australia Leads the Way: The Solomon Islands’ Largest Source of Visitors
From 2020 to 2022, Australia was the main destination of international travelers, allocating 31% of total arrivals to the islands. Australian tourists accounted for 21% of the growth in arrivals in the 2nd quarter of 2025. It makes sense considering the geographic and cultural proximity of the islands and Australia.
The travelable relationship reinforces the travel demand, which is why Australians’ airlines Solomon Airlines, Qantas, and Virgin Australia have all established their flights to the Solomons. Solomon Airlines has received particular praise for establishing direct flights between Brisbane and the Solomons. It has made Australia population more accessible to the Islands and their Solomon Islands‘ eco-tourism.
For Australian travelers, the ease of access and the growing range of flight options have made the Solomon Islands an attractive holiday spot, especially for eco-tourism enthusiasts looking to explore its diverse ecosystems and WWII heritage sites.
China’s Impact on the Significant Increase of Tourism in the Solomon Islands
As we have seen over the years, China’s outbound tourism continues to increase, as well as, the number of tourists visiting the Solomon Islands. By 2025, China accounts for roughly 13% of tourist arrivals in the Solomon Islands. This is, in part, a reflection of the growing relationship and connectivity between the two countries, particularly with the introduction of the visa-free travel arrangement in November 2024.
As a result of the visa-free travel arrangement, the Solomon Islands is now more accessible to tourists from China. The growing middle class in China and the increasing propensity of overseas travel, allows the Solomon Islands to be a potential tourist destination. The unique natural offerings, coupled with cultural and adventurous activities is an ideal tourist destination for the growing number of travelers from China. This increase in travelers to the Solomon Islands has positively impacted the local airline market with more flights to Honiara from major Chinese cities, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
China Eastern Airlines and Solomon Airlines have been at the forefront in meeting this increased travel demand. Passengers can look forward to seamless transfers and more regular flights to and from the capital, Honiara. This increase in Chinese tourist arrivals is bound to have an impact on the Solomon Islands hospitality and travel industry, which is an important part of the local economy, given the growing focus on the Solomon Islands’ tourism economy.
The United States’ Growing Interest in the Solomon Islands
The United States represents one more important source market for tourists to the Solomon Islands. The number of arrivals has increased over the years, and is projected to eclipse 2020 by 16% in 2025. This increase in American arrivals can be attributed to the historical significance of the Solomon Islands, particularly in World War II, coupled with the expanding eco-tourism and adventure travel offerings in the region.
The historical and cultural attractions of the Solomon Islands captivate American tourists. These include sites such as WWII battlefields, Coral reefs, and the Fiji Islands. Consequently, American tourists are no longer interested in WWII re-enactments and are looking towards tourism more reciprocal in nature, such as eco tourism or niche scuba tourism.
Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines are now offering trips to the Solomon Islands from big American airports. With more tourists focused on the culture of the islands and willing to participate in the local customs, demand for Solomon Islands tourism will continue to grow. This demand has also resulted in the construction of more high quality tourism facilities such as hotels, guided tours, and resorts.
New Zealand Joins the Tourism Boom in the Solomon Islands
New Zealand, traditionally one of the main countries in the Pacific tourism market, maintains its steady growth in arrivals to the Solomon Islands. During the second quarter of 2025, New Zealand accounted for roughly 7% of all visitor arrivals. This was to be expected as New Zealand, along with Australia, has historically had close ties with the destination. New Zealand interest in the Solomon Islands has been strengthened by the availability of direct flights to the Solomon Islands from Auckland and Wellington.
New Zealanders find the Solomon Islands particularly reachable as Air New Zealand has scheduled numerous flights to the destination. With the added benefits of shorter travel times, the Solomon Islands are diversifying tourism products, particularly in eco-tourism, culture, and diving. New Zealanders, looking for destinations close to home, find the Solomon Islands for great vacations.
New Zealanders are especially attracted to the Solomon Islands for its planned and community-based tourism. Eco-tourists attracted to New Zealand appreciate the Solomon Islands for its active promotion of environmentally sustainable community tourism.
Expansion of the Airline and Hospitality Sector in the Solomon Islands
With the growth of international interest in the Solomon Islands, there is also an increase in the demand for flights and places to stay. While the increasing numbers of visitors to the Islands has placed some strain on the country’s airlines and the hospitality industry, it has also been the catalyst for major investments and growth in this sectors. Solomon Airlines, Air New Zealand, and Qantas have been expanding their routes due to the increasing number of visitors and Fiji Airways and Hawaiian Airlines are increasing the frequency of their flights.
As the national carrier, Solomon Airlines has been a vital part for the connection of the Islands to the major international gateways and, in 2025, the airline will have an addition of an Airbus A320 to the fleet. This will, hopefully, will allow the airline to increase the quality and the amount of passengers the airline will be able to accommodate. With the new addition of the aircraft, the airline will be able to ensure the Islands accommodate the amount of international visitors comfortably and, more importantly, provide international flights to and from the Islands.
The hospitality industry is experiencing changes. The increase in the number of visitors has resulted in the construction of more eco-resorts, boutique hotels, and guesthouses on the islands. These types of accommodations help sustain the environment and provide travellers with an unique target experience. Hotel chains such as Heritage Park Hotel and Mendana Hotel have been able to provide upgraded amenities to meet the expectations of international guests. Additionally, new investments in tourism facilities have been focused on improving the travel experience and completing the new hospitality offerings.
Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting the Solomon IslandsBest Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Solomon Islands is during the dry season from May to October. During this time, the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and cultural tours. However, since the islands are in a tropical climate, it is warm all year round. This means that there is much to enjoy even in the rainy season.Visa Requirements: The Solomon Islands is a visa-free country for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and some other Pacific countries. Lastly, it is best to check with the local embassy or consulate for entry requirements on other travellers before booking their flights.Flight Details: You can book international flights to the Solomon Islands on Solomon Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qantas, and other large carriers. Flights from Australia usually end up in Honiara, the capital city. Solomon Airlines provides nonstop service from Brisbane, and Qantas and other carriers provide connecting service from Sydney and other Australian cities as well as Auckland New Zealand.Local Transportation: While the islands offer stunning natural beauty, local transportation can be limited, particularly for inter-island travel. It is encouraged to arrange domestic flights well in advance since they tend to fill quickly during the busy tourist season. Of course, ferries and boats are a popular method of traveling between the islands as well.Currency: The currency of the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD). While there are ATMs in the larger towns, for example, Honiara, it would be prudent to have some cash on hand for the more remote areas. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and businesses, though not all establishments accept them.Health and Safety: While the Solomon Islands are safe to travel to, being a tropical location, it also has its health risks. Visitors should receive vaccinations for tropical diseases like malaria and dengue. In addition, travelers should drink boiled or bottled water and avoid raw foods to prevent problems with the stomach.
Australia, China, the United States, and New Zealand are driving a 21% rise in visitor arrivals to the Solomon Islands, boosting its tourism sector. This surge is fueling growth in the country’s airlines and hospitality industries, making it a prime destination for travelers.
A Promising Future for the Solomon Islands
Interest in the Solomon Islands has grown, and with it, the potential for growth in the country’s tourism sector. An increase in the number of visitors from Australia, China, the United States, and New Zealand is giving the economy a boost and helps maintain the islands rich cultural and natural heritage.
Airlines are adding to their routes and the tourism sector is expanding with new hotels and services. With its beautiful landscapes and rich history, the Solomon Islands has a growing reputation as a leading sustainable tourism destination in the Pacific for ecotourism, adventure, and cultural travel.
To witness the true splendor of the Pacific, the Solomon Islands provide the chance to enjoy world-class eco-tourism, experience friendly local hospitality, and travel back in time. The future of the Solomon Islands, in regards to tourism, is promising, and for the visitors, it is the start of an unforgettable experience.
