Youth makes budget submission on Agri-Tourism
Bua-based Navakasali Youth Club vice president, Ilikini Bulidama made submissions at the Financial Year 20222023 National Budget Consultations on how the tourism sector can promote agri-tourism.
Mr Bulidama made his submissions to the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Nadi Civic Centre on Tuesday.
He said tourists that were on holiday in Fiji mostly visited resorts enjoying the hotel vibe but it would be interesting to introduce agri-tourism and get them engaged with Fiji’s agriculture sector.
He said this would greatly benefit agricultural workers and farmers.
“I personally agree and support the Government’s Private-Public Partnership and for us to explore opportunities in specifically agriculture and forestry, to get tourists to be engaged in agriculture, agri-tourism, farm tours and a lot of other activities,” Mr Bulidama said.
“Not all tourists love the sea, a lot would also like to have a farm experience and when they go back they have a story to tell, where they did something unique.
“To create that kind of opportunity benefits the farmers where they can contribute effectively to the economy.”
The A-G responded saying he supported his statement.
“You are absolutely right in terms of the tourism experience, the tourism sector has not really focused on beyond the sun, sand and the beach there are a lot of experiences inland including - you could build villas up in the interior of Viti Levu,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
Mr Bulidama acknowledged the A-G and Government for their work in managing the economy, in making bold decisions for economic recovery.