In a significant development for the Solomon Islands’ dive tourism, Honiara-based Bilikiki Cruises has partnered with Emperor Divers, a renowned liveaboard dive operator headquartered in Singapore.
This collaboration integrates Bilikiki Cruises’ dive programs into Emperor Divers’ international portfolio, which already spans top dive destinations like Egypt, Indonesia, and the Maldives.
Tourism Solomons CEO (Acting), Dagnal Dereveke, praised the partnership, highlighting the potential impact on the region’s dive industry.
“The Solomon Islands’ reputation as a world-class dive destination is already well established within the international SCUBA community. But this arrangement has the potential to take that reputation to a whole new level,” Dereveke said.
The Solomon Islands boasts rich marine biodiversity and historical World War II wrecks, making it a premier destination for divers from around the globe. Dereveke emphasised the importance of the dive sector, stating, “The dive sector is incredibly important to our overall tourism offering, both culturally and economically, with SCUBA enthusiasts comprising a key component of our overall annual international visitation intake.”
The partnership with Emperor Divers is expected to leverage the organisation’s strong reputation and extensive marketing network to amplify the Solomon Islands’ global profile as a must-visit dive destination.
Opportunities for Growth and Visibility
Bilikiki Cruises’ managing director, Sam Leeson, expressed excitement about the new venture, noting that while day-to-day operations will remain unchanged, the collaboration offers valuable opportunities for growth.
“The chance to work with such a prominent organisation in the liveaboard industry is a great opportunity for us,” Leeson said. “Very little will change in the day-to-day running of Bilikiki as our existing management and staff will keep doing the tremendous work they have been doing for years. However, it offers a superb opportunity to spread the word about our beautiful boat and hopefully bring new visitors to experience the magical diving available in the Solomon Islands.”
This partnership marks a promising chapter for the Solomon Islands dive sector, potentially drawing more international visitors to explore its underwater treasures and further strengthening its position in the global dive market.
