Her winning entry, ‘Step off the map - Find the real Pacific’ was chosen for what the Tourism Solomons panel judging the entries described as a bold but simple tagline that instantly sets the Solomon Islands apart as the authentic, unspoiled Pacific island alternative for New Zealand travellers.
The panel said the ’Step off the map’ line sparks adventure and curiosity, a perfect fit for New Zealand travellers’ love of exploration, while ‘Find the real Pacific’ positions the destination as genuine, raw and soulful — a smart contrast to the polished resort branding common in Fiji and Samoa.
Trish said she was absolutely thrilled to hear her entry had been selected.
“The Solomons have such a special charm, and I wanted the line to capture that feeling of discovery - the kind of place where travellers can still step off the map and find something real, raw, and beautifully unspoiled,” she said.
Tourism Solomons Australia Trade Manager, Richard Skewes, who devised the concept said the tagline was short, punchy and unforgettable, making it ideal for print, digital and trade branding.
It was also noted, he said, for aligning beautifully with the destination’s core brand values and current South Pacific regional marketing trends.
“The main idea behind the concept was all about inviting the people who sell our destination every day to shape its story with us” he said.
“Travel agents know exactly what inspires travellers to look beyond the usual, and no one is better placed to help us find a line that truly captures the magic of the Solomon Islands.”
As the winner, Trish’s words are featured in this week’s Tourism Solomons’ Travelinc Memo advertisement. She has has also received a special celebratory gift pack as a heartfelt “Tagio Tumas” (thank you very much) from the Tourism Solomons team.