The Kioa Island Women’s Group in Cakaudrove have requested Government to help them build a larger guest house on their island for tourist accommodation.

The group made the request during a recent Government consultation on their island led by the assistant Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and Natural Disaster Management, Joeli Cawaki.

The group’s president Susan Falu said the provision of a proper guest house would allow them to set a platform for a stable tourism industry for the island.

“We have guest house but it has only one bedroom. We need a bigger one where we can accommodate more people,” Ms Falu said.

The Kioan Council chairman, Lotomau Fiafia, said while Kioa had a lot to offer to tourists, it was the accommodation which was a setback.

“We have tourists coming in here to see the island and sometimes officials would come over for work but there is no proper accommodation for them,” Mr Fiafia said.

She said the venture would also help individuals especially women to earn for themselves and their family.

She said they plan to have a double story building, the first floor to have the rooms for guests and the ground floor could be used as the operation centre for the group.

“While this would help our group earn, members will also be able to earn individually through the selling of handicrafts and working at the guest house,” she said.

“The intention is to also enable tourists to visit and stay if they want to.”

Mr Cawaki said they would consider the request.

The group has been running since 2001.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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