Grace Hotel sits in the western end of the Solo Plaza building at Town Ground – with more than 40 international standard rooms now open for business.
Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia joined a list of high profiled guests that witnessed what organizers described as a soft launch on Saturday.
He commended China United (SI) Corporation Ltd owner Zhou Zongwu for the great initiative by establishing the hotel.
The deputy prime minister labelled the opening of Grace Hotel as a testament of the deepening relationship between China and Solomon Islands.
“Today marks a great chapter and new chapter in the bilateral relationship and the Grace Hotel stands as a beacon of our cooperation,” Tovosia said.
He said the project also signifies the two countries’ shared commitment to progress and mutual benefits “that bind us together.”
Tovosia stated that Grace Hotel further adds value to the tourism sector and also creates employment to “our locals.”
He assured Zongwu of government’s support and to other investors in the country.
Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination Rex Ramofafia also shared the same
sentiments as the DPM.
Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) Trustee and MP for Central Honiara Gordon Darcy Lilo said since 2006, rugby’s journey with China Utd had been a challenging one and it took them about six years to get over. However, he said things have moved on resulting in the opening of the hotel.
President of SIRUF Hon George Tema said the opening of Grace Hotel was a strength of partnership and also the bond between SIRUF and China United.
He said: “As China United opens the door of Grace Hotel, we feel with optimism for the future. This hotel stands as a statement to the dedication of China United to both global development and cultural exchange.”
Tema said Grace Hotel is also a new hub to bring people together from around the world and allow them to experience the warmth and beauty of Solomon Islands.
He assured China United that SIRUF stands beside them and also fully supports their endevour.
Zongwu speaking on his decision to establish the hotel stated that as Solomon Islands develops, tourism and new energy must also progress.
He added that the living standard of people must also be improved.
“We decided to change and align with current changes by using new environmentally friendly pre-fabricated construction materials and use solar energy,” he said referring to the new hotel.
He was also optimistic stating that the recently signed visa free agreement between the two countries would bring significant benefits to the tourism sector and the new energy industry.
Senior official from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Mark Ligo welcomed the opening of the hotel as a significant contribution to the growth of tourism in the country.
