GOV’T COMMITTED TO TURN CULTURE INTO TOURISM PRODUCT

The Minister of Culture and Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo has reiterated the Government’s commitment to restore and promote the country’s cultural industry into a tourism product.

Minister Parapolo led a strong government delegation to Buala, Isabel Province, on Monday this week to open the Province’s inaugural Kodili Cultural Festival.

Kodili is a musical instrument from Isabel which was developed and played by the ancestors of Isabel people, which is currently under threat of disappearing.

The Provincial Government and the Chiefs of Isabel have organised the Festival to highlight the importance of reviving not only the Kodili but other aspects of Isabel Culture to their young generation.

Minister Parapolo adds, his ministry will continue to support cultural festivals that encourage rural participation, promote tourism, encourages the preservation of our cultures and promotes nation-building.

The DCC Government policy was intended to align culture with tourism development, in particular, turning culture into a tourism product.

The Government believes this approach will produce sustainable development and business opportunities in rural areas where cultural practices are thriving.

The weeklong festival concludes Friday this week.

Meanwhile, visitor surveys recently conducted by the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) have shown that culture and cultural experiences were highlighted as one of the top reasons why people decided to visit Solomon Islands.

Tourism Minister Mr Parapolo says, our cultures are very important not only in fostering a sense of belonging and feeling of unity but they have economic values when expressed through art, performance, artefacts, music and through sharing them with different people.

Minister Parapolo was accompanied to the Kodili festival opening by the Minister of Provincial Government, David Tome, the Minister of Environment, Samuel Manetoali and senior government officials.