The new thermal pool in Sabeto, Nadi, will allow a community based business to cater for the increasing number of cruise ship tourists in the region.

This will also allow guests a more authentic Fijian experience.

The Tifajek Mud Pool and Hot Spring’s new thermal pool was opened by the High Commissioner of Australia, Margaret Twomey.

It is a family-owned business with a growing reputation built on therapeutic and mud bath treatments. It opened an additional thermal pool yesterday.

Launching the new facilities, Ms Twomey acknowledged the Tifajek board of directors for their innovation in growing the i-Taukei family-owned business into a major tourist attraction.

“The Tifajek pools are an excellent example of local operators translating unique Fijian experiences into activities attractive to tourists,” Ms Twomey said.

“This in turn will be generating increased income and livelihood opportunities for local communities.

“We have been proud to partner Tifajek to bring this vision into reality through the Australian funded Market Development Facility (MDF).”

Tifajek managing director Miliana Racule, the woman behind the success of the business, shared her experiences in managing the cultural complexities associated with doing business in a village   setting in Fiji.

“While challenging, it has been worth it,” Ms Racula said.

“We’ve been able to create a new and sustainable source of livelihood for the women of Sabeto village.”

The business is located in the foothills of the Sabeto mountain range and offers therapeutic mud bath treatments in natural thermal pools for tourists.

The business venture was developed in partnership with MDF, which is the Australian government’s flagship programme for developing private sector development in Fiji.

EDITED BY: FARZANA NISHA