Solomon Host CEO's Column |
Mrs Joyce Konofilia-Maetoloa |
The next alternative industry to replace Logging? - Tourism Vs Mining
One of the recent debates in our political arena is the issue of which industry will replace Logging once its all gone in 3-4 years time.
Two sectors that have been brought up in recent weeks are: Tourism and Mining. Our government is pressed to identify and develop the next alternative industry that will hopefully be the saviour to our declining economy. I might be bias towards Tourism instead of Mining, for genuine reasons. But let me start by saying that Tourism is a smoke-free industry that can occur in any location without much distraction to the environment. Whereas on the other hand, mining will need the environment to be dug and excavated, causing soil damage, erosion and pollution.
With tourism, we can use our existing environment without much change to attract visitors to our shores. I have always maintained that our environment, being less developed and intact is an attraction of its own. Alot of modern tourists just love to be somewhere tranquil, less noisy, greener and free from the hassles and bustles of busy city life.
Our diverse culture and people also boast a bonus for tourism development here as compared to other countries. This factor comes with numerous arts and crafts skills that can be promoted to further boost tourism in the country. Infact our handicrafts are rated best in the Pacific. While on the other hand, mining will not be too compatible with our small land mass, having huge negative impacts on our limited land that can be used for agricultural developments and consequently enhancement of our people's livelihoods.
With these in mind, I still believe Tourism stands a better option to become the alternative industry to replace logging and boost our local economy in the not too distant future.
"Tourism for a better tomorrow"...
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