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.
What is one place in Fiji you take friends to?
Cloud Nine is unbeatable for the bar and restaurant that it is.
Located outside Malolo waters, the waters around the floating restaurant are clear.
You can see through the water from the top of the deck.
When people jump to do what we call bombs, we can see right down six feet below water.
It is definitely a unique experience for a group of friends.
Skinny Bean café, Pacific Harbour.
What is your favourite spot for coffee or pie?
Skinny Bean café, Pacific Harbour.
I definitely support local businesses.
Uprising Beach Resort, Pacific Harbour.
What is your favourite backyard spot?
Uprising Beach Resort.
It is 45-minutes’ drive from Suva, and offers a relaxed ambience where locals can kick back.
The luxury market would also enjoy the laid back setting.
Guest enjoying Lavena Coastal Walk in Taveuni.
What is one place on your bucket list?
Garden Island Resort, Taveuni.
While I’ve been around Viti Levu’s tourism industry, I have yet to fully appreciate what the Northern tourism sector has to offer.
Tavoro Falls, Taveuni.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj