$3m to Back iTaukei Business Ventures

DPM GAVOKA URGES STRONGER INDIGENOUS ROLE IN TOURISM AT BUSINESS COUNCIL SYMPOSIUM

DPM GAVOKA URGES STRONGER INDIGENOUS ROLE IN TOURISM AT BUSINESS COUNCIL SYMPOSIUM28/05/2025https://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Centre/News/DPM-GAVOKA-URGES-STRONGER-INDIGENOUS-ROLE-IN-TOURI The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, opened the Fiji Indigenous Business Council Symposium at the Novotel Hotel in Lami this morning (28.05.25).A Push for Equal PartnershipDPM Gavoka said the Government is committed to making iTaukei landowners and entrepreneurs not just participants, but equal partners in the country’s growth. He acknowledged the imbalance in the tourism sector, where indigenous Fijians, despite being the custodians of land and culture, have often been marginalised."For too long, the true stewards of our land, culture, and heritage have been under-represented in an industry built on their contributions," he said. "The time for change is now. We must take ownership and ensure our people benefit fully from tourism." Tourism's Untapped PotentialTourism accounts for 40% of Fiji’s GDP, but most of that growth is concentrated is limited. DPM Gavoka called for a broader, more inclusive approach that brings tourism opportunities to all 14 provinces.April 2024 visitor arrivals hit 80,363—a 4% rise from the previous year and the first time April figures have topped 80,000. Globally, tourism is on track to contribute $16 trillion to the world economy by 2034. TheIndigenous tourism alone is projected to grow into a $67 billion market. GCC Resolutions and Policy ShiftsHe also highlighted key outcomes from the recent Great Council of Chiefs meeting, including the creation of Provincial Economic Units to help landowners run businesses and reach new markets. A $3 million iTaukei Resource Owners Support and Development Fund is also being set up to back indigenous ventures.Legal reforms are on the table to give landowners more control over how their land is used for economic projects, ensuring they have a real say in how tourism develops. Aligning with the National Priorities    These initiatives tie into the National Sustainable Tourism Framework 2024-2034, which outlines Fiji’s tourism goals over the next decade. The plan focuses on four main areas: creating laws that support indigenous businesses, training and mentoring communities, protecting Fijian culture, and promoting eco-tourism that benefits locals and safeguards natural resources.The call for iTaukei participation in national development is also enshrined as a priority under the National Development Plan 2025 - 2029 and Vision 2050, shared Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics in his virtual delivery. Call for Leadership and Real PartnershipsDPM Gavoka urged landowners to step up and take leadership roles in the industry. He also called on the private sector to build genuine partnerships with indigenous operators, stressing that local success drives national success.The government is supporting this effort through programs like the Tourism Micro and Small Enterprise Fund, which offers financing for small businesses, and ongoing training in financial literacy and tour operations. A Vision for the Future"This isn’t just about tourism—it’s about who we are and where we’re going as a nation," Gavoka said. "We have the tools, the talent, and the political will. Let’s build a future where no Fijian is left behind."The symposium's discussions will extend into tomorrow, May 29th, featuring in-depth workshops and panel sessions focused on indigenous entrepreneurship models, sustainable tourism development, and innovative financing solutions for iTaukei businesses. These final sessions aim to translate today's policy discussions into actionable strategies for economic empowerment.