Elevating Domestic Tourism: Strengthening Parangiju Mountain Lodge

Summary

In 2023, Strongim Bisnis partnered with Parangiju Mountain Lodge, a prominent nature and cultural heritage-based tourism destination in Mbelaha, Central Guadalcanal, to enhance domestic tourism. This collaboration focused on upgrading facilities and boosting employment, resulting in increased visitor numbers and expanded income opportunities. The initiative showcased how strategic support can drive local tourism growth and improve the tourism experience.

The Issue

Parangiju Mountain Lodge faced challenges with outdated facilities, limited infrastructure, and rising visitor demand, impacting service quality and growth potential. The need for improved amenities and trained staff was essential for meeting growing tourism interest and enhancing visitor satisfaction.

Strongim Bisnis support

Strongim Bisnis partnered with Parangiju Mountain Lodge to enhance its facilities and services– Investing SBD 200,000 in upgrades, including a 5KVA solar system, two 10,000-litre water tanks, and a new freezer. The program also funded trail improvements to Tenaru Falls and supported the training of 11 tour guides and local community members. These efforts aimed to address the Lodge's facility limitations and equip staff with essential skills to improve visitor experiences and service quality.

Outcome

The improvements led to a significant increase in visitor numbers, with monthly visits to Tenaru Falls doubling and sales tripling. The Lodge’s revenue surged, benefiting neighbouring tribes, while new jobs were created with the hiring of three additional tour guides. An independent investment by the Lodge in a new bar and restaurant further enhanced its capacity for conferences and additional income streams in 2024.