Indigenous landowners boost tourism transport

More than 100Licensed Hire (LH) number plates owned by Indigenous resource owners across Fiji have been approved and are now operating, supporting resort operations and landowner businesses.

This was revealed by Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA) president Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Chinese Church in Viseisei, Vuda, Lautoka, today.

Mr Nawaqa said the approvals were made possible with the support of the Land Transport Authority.

He said VITA had deliberately shifted its AGM from Suva to the Western Division this year to engage directly with resource owners and tourism businesses based in the region.

“If this resulted in any delay in reaching some villages, resorts or landowning units, please accept our apologies,” Mr Nawaqa said.

“We are committed to continuing discussions after this AGM through talanoa sessions so we can identify your needs and work closely with you, your resorts, investors or developers of your land and qoliqoli.”

Mr Nawaqa said VITA was established as a charitable trust with a clear mission to empower Indigenous resource owners and business operators to have ownership, a voice and fair participation in Fiji’s tourism economy.

He said for many years Indigenous landowners had supported the tourism industry through their land, culture, forests, rivers and qoliqoli, but were often excluded from decision-making and long-term benefits.

“VITA exists to ensure resource owners are no longer spectators, but partners and leaders in development,” he said.

Mr Nawaqa said while the year had been challenging, it was also rewarding as tangible results were now being seen.

He said VITA believed in the resourcefulness of the vanua and its land, waters, air and natural environment as the foundation of life, culture and economic strength for Indigenous communities.

“When the vanua economy is uplifted, everything else rises with it; government, churches, communities and the nation as a whole,” he said.

Mr Nawaqa said progress this year included support for resource owners with waterfalls, forests, sightseeing areas, fisheries, mining sites and tourism ventures.

He said multiple memoranda of understanding and memoranda of agreement had been drafted and signed directly between resource owners and resorts or investors to ensure fairer outcomes.

Mr Nawaqa said some members had started their own businesses, others had signed their first agreements, while more were using VITA as a platform to grow.

He said VITA had also assisted with LM (minivan licences) and LC licences for village and public transport, improving safety, access and education, including licensed transport for schoolchildren and students.

Looking ahead, Mr Nawaqa said VITA’s action plan covered the period from 2024 to 2030.

“Our mission is to work with all willing resource owners, resorts, investors and developers to help them achieve their goals across land, qoliqoli, energy, education and business development,” he said.

“By 2030, we envision every major resort in Fiji working in partnership with VITA and indigenous resource owners to build an inclusive and sustainable tourism economy.”

Mr Nawaqa also acknowledged Dawn Renewable Energy, also known as Dawn Solar Company, as the official sponsor of the AGM.