SIVB PREPARES FOR INTERNATIONAL BIRDWATCHERS
Birdwatcing. Photo credit: datanami.com
The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) has taken firm steps to prepare the local tourism industry in readiness for a ‘hoped for influx’ of international birdwatchers this year.
A SIVB team led by Australian birdwatching expert, Phil Gregory of Queensland-based Sicklebill Safaris and SIVB marketing officer Brenden Mautoa have been training a number of hand-picked local guides representing tour operators from Honiara, Guadalcanal, Isabel and Makira.
The training aims to properly identify various bird species and their sounds and how to use specialised birdwatching equipment and to look after groups of birdwatching tourists.
SIVB CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto says the training sessions were a further build on the investment the SIVB has made in this key niche area over the last two years.
Mr Tuamoto says Birdwatching is huge the world over and birdwatchers will travel anywhere to catch a glimpse of a rare or unusual species.