The Hapi Isles Era: Inside the Solomon Islands’ Strategic Transition

The Solomon Islands’ tourism landscape is undergoing its most significant evolution in nearly a decade. At the 2026 Tourism in Focus conference held at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel, Tourism Solomons officially unveiled its new roadmap under the theme ‘Strategic Transition.’ This isn’t merely a change in aesthetics; it is a coordinated overhaul of branding, connectivity, and industry standards designed to position the archipelago as a competitive force in the modern international marketplace.

From ‘Solomons Is.’ to ‘Hapi Isles’

The most visible element of this transition is the retirement of the ‘Solomons Is.’ identity, which has served the nation since 2018. In its place emerges ‘Hapi Isles’ -a brand that seeks to capture the genuine warmth, cultural depth, and unique hospitality that defines the Solomon Islands experience. According to Tourism Solomons Acting CEO Dagnal Dereveke, the new branding aligns with contemporary marketing strategies while remaining deeply rooted in the islands’ reputation as one of the most welcoming destinations in the South Pacific.

The Connectivity Catalyst

A strategic transition is only as effective as the routes that support it. The 2026 policy approach is bolstered by a dramatic improvement in regional air connectivity:

• Enhanced Australian Links: Additional Qantas flights from Brisbane have increased capacity from one of the islands’ primary source markets.
• Asian Access via PNG: New Solomon Airlines services into Papua New Guinea now offer same-day connections to Asian hubs, making the islands more accessible to long-haul travellers.
• The North American Gateway: Fiji Airways’ expansion into four U.S. cities and Canada has opened unprecedented partnership opportunities, allowing travellers to bridge the gap between North America and the Hapi Isles with greater ease.

Digital Evolution and Industry Standards

The transition extends deep into the local industry. With the conclusion of the 2023–2025 Organizational Strategic Plan, the focus has shifted toward digital empowerment. Operators across the islands are strengthening their online presence, creating new visibility and distribution channels that were previously inaccessible. This digital push is supported by partnerships with regional specialists like Hideaway Holidays, ensuring that local products reach global audiences.

To ensure this growth is sustainable and professional, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT) is introducing updated Minimum Industry Standards. These regulations are designed to reinforce quality across all visitor touchpoints, ensuring that the ‘Hapi Isles’ brand promise is met with world-class professionalism on the ground.

“‘Strategic Transition’ represents more than change,” says Mr. Dereveke. “It represents intentional, coordinated progress as we align policy, connectivity, branding, and industry standards.” As the National Tourism Strategy moves into high gear, the Solomon Islands is signalling to the world that it is ready for its next phase of sustainable, high-value growth.

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