First iTaukei Owned Hotel in Coral Coast Opens
The first iTaukei owned hotel, Namolevu Beach Bures within the Coral Coast vicinity, is finally open for business.
Located along the Queens highway, Maui Bay, the property provides an environment of relaxation for their guests and offers an alternative to a flyaway destination.
It also provides employment opportunities which in turn improve the livelihood and standard of living for members of the community.
Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Land and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya officiated at the official opening last Saturday night.
Mr Koya said this will generate and encourage more economic activity and contribute towards the development of our tourism industry.
“I warmly congratulate the Tokatoka of Hewa - Tagaqe Village and the province of Nadroga/Navosa on a milestone achievement,” he said.
However, he said that we must not rest on our laurels, but must continue with the momentum in ensuring that this industry continues to thrive by developing new and innovative niche products and markets for Fiji. “In the development of our natural assets to promote our culture and way of life we must also work together for the preservation of our natural environment to ensure its sustainability,” he said.
“While tourism contributes substantially to development of our nation, the future of tourism is in sustainable development. “Therefore, on behalf of Government, I appeal to you, resource owners and the community that we all work together to make tourism a catalyst for positive change.” He thanked the members of the TokatokaHewa for believing in the cause and spearheading the development of Namolevu Beach Bures.
“Your unwavering commitment is truly commendable and I am certain that the opening of the eight bures will benefit your community in many, many ways.
“Not only for this generation, but for generations to come.”
Challenges
The Minister also said like any other development,
there tends to be challenges during the course of its implementation. “I understand Namolevu Beach Bures also had its share of challenges in the initial phase of development however, this did not deter members of the Tokatoka Hewa, as they continued to develop the already existing building structure which was sitting on their land and at the same time, sought financial assistance from banks and financial institutions.
Staffing
The Namolevu Beach Bures has provided employment opportunities for 12 Fijians who will undergo training in the near future.
“Training and capacity building is key to the growth of the tourism sector. I urge the executives to ensure that they continue to upskil and train their staff to meet changing visitor needs,” Mr Koya said. “Employing one in every three Fijians makes tourism a major employer in Fiji and therefore continuous training of our human resources is essential to provide the best customer service to our visitors.”
About the property
The property is 100 per cent owned by the Tokatoka of Hewa - Tagaqe Village in Nadroga/Navosa province.
Director Luke Tabuhakia said: “This is an investment undertaken by our Tokatoka, which we decided that we need to stand up and do something for our future generations.”
The property was then leased by an Australian businessman before the Mataqali took ownership and worked on the face-lift since last year.
“This was possible with the assistance of the Fiji Development Bank under the Government’s Business Development Initiative Programme,” he added.
They were able to renovate and refurbish eight bures to a tune of $450,000.