The Solomon Islands, a small island state in Oceania, recorded their best tourist season since Covid in 2025.
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This result is mainly explained by the intensification of promotional and marketing actions, but also by the hosting, last year, of major regional conferences such as the 54th meeting of leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum and the meeting of Pacific ministers on water and wastewater management.
From January to December last year, the number of tourists jumped 13.6% compared to 2024, according to the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO), reaching a total of 28,548 visitors in 2025.
This represents only 382 visitors less than the record of 28,930 tourists reached in 2019, shortly before the country closed its borders for 800 days in order to minimize the risks of introducing Covid.
Leisure tourism largely drove this increase, with an increase of 34.3% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Chinese tourists largely drove this dynamic, their number having increased by 64.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This surge is mainly linked to the reciprocal agreement on visa exemption concluded in November 2024 between China and the Solomon Islands.
The number of Australian tourists increased by 15.4% in 2025 compared to 2024, representing 32.3% of all visitors. Arrivals from New Zealand also increased by 14.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year, while the number of Fijian tourists remained almost stable, with a slight increase of only 0.1%.
August and September were the most touristy months last year, mainly due to the conferences.
“Our priority remains to rebuild and increase arrivals from our main source markets, and the overall results for 2025 show tangible progress towards a return to pre-Covid levels, and even beyond,” said Dagnal Dereveke, Director acting general of Tourism Solomons.
What to see and do in the Solomon Islands
This rosary of almost 1,000 islandsoffers superb crowd-free beaches, world-class diving spots, rich culture and still untouched nature.
Travelers can diveand snorkel among submerged Japanese shipwrecks dating from World War II at Bonegi I and II beaches.
They can also explore the world’s largest saltwater lagoon, Marovo Lagoon, which offers excellent diving and snorkeling amid spectacular marine life and coral reefs.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Western Province for its rich biodiversity, home to dolphins, turtles and reef sharks.
Hike to Tenaru Falls for views of the rainforest and mountains, or head to Kennedy Island for a picnic where John F. Kennedy swam to shore in 1943. Another must-see island: Skull Island, known for its shrines housing the skulls of ancient leaders tribal.
To better understand local island and forest life, don’t miss the Peter Joseph WWII Museum, an atypical museum made up of objects found in the surrounding jungle.
Other musée open-air, the Vilu War Museum exhibits abandoned Japanese and American artillery and aircraft, set around a tropical garden.
Looking for a more unusual experience? Head to the hot springs of Savo Island to observe the megapodes (“volcano chickens”), birds that lay their eggs in the sand heated by geothermal activity.
Stroll through the Honiara Central Market to discover local crafts and products, or take a tour of traditional villages to watch customary dances.
With more than 70 languages still spoken and local customs such as shell money and canoe travel, visitors can enjoy a rich cultural experience in the Solomon Islands.
