Solomon Islands: Tourism investment indicates continued strengthening in China relations

Around 4 January, a new hotel was officially opened opposite the Honiara International Airport. The 60-room Xiao’s Henderson Hotel is owned by a Solomon Islands citizen of Chinese descent, received government support through investment incentives and exemptions, and was constructed by three Chinese construction companies. During the opening, a former Deputy Police Commissioner spoke on behalf of the company, while the Ministry of Culture and Tourism stated the desire to partner  with the hotel management to further increase Chinese tourism.

Assessment: The hotel investment indicates a continued positive trend in Solomon Islands-China relations. China tightly  controls its citizens’ tourism destinations and has used this as political leverage over other pacific island countries in the past - in 2024 Palau’s President claimed China used tourism investment to induce the country to switch diplomatic recognition away from Taiwan. Pacific Island countries’ economies rely heavily on the tourism sector and are therefore vulnerable to relatively small fluctuations.

Sources: Eddie Osifelo, “New hotel opens in Henderson,” Solomon Star, January 4, 2026; Eddie Osifelo, “Xiaos invest $40m in new hotel,” Solomon Star, January 6, 2026.