Let's Go Local: Seni Tikoilomaloma - Fiji... A Country That’s Hard To Beat

Vuda’s own Seni Tikoilomaloma makes a great ambassador for tourism.

Her lively and cheery demeanour exudes an earthy confidence.

Ms Tikoilomaloma was born and raised in Viseisei.

“A lot of people think I’m a city girl,” she said.

“But nothing could be further from the truth.”

She grew up exposed to the tourism sector in the West, where her parents worked.

“We spent school holidays engaged in holiday jobs on Treasure Island, where mum and dad worked.

“It’s where I found my interest – in socialising with guests.”

Ms Tikoilomaloma’s official job in the tourism sector began as a spa therapist, before she moved to waitressing.

“I did a little bit of housekeeping, before I found my footing in sales and marketing when I worked for Mana Island Resort,” she said.

“I found my calling in sales and marketing, just selling Fiji as a destination."

“Fiji as a destination is my passion.”

As a sales and marketing executive of the tourism sector, Ms Tikoilomaloma has travelled internationally.

“We’ve been to destinations where people ask, ‘Where is Fiji?’ and ‘What is Fiji about?"

“I come from a background where our house was always full."

“If they were hungry, they’d come home; if they wanted a place to sleep, they’d come home; if they wanted to hang out, they’d come home."

“I’ve used that as a platform to promote Fiji’s tourism.”

Two years ago, Ms Tikoilomaloma left Namolevu Beach Resort.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the closure of the Coral Coast resort.

Since then, Ms Tikoilomaloma, a resident of Navua, has engaged in assisting friends in the business sphere.

Cloud Nine floating restaurant, near Malolo just off the Nadi coastline.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj