Divisional Planning Officer West Luke Moroivalu (third front left) with Sanasana Landowners Tourism Activities Association chairman Nemani Kolikata (third front right) with registered members under the Association at Sanasana Village Community Hall in Natadola, Sigatoka, on Thursday. Photo: SHEIK DEAN
By SHEIK DEAN
Sanasana Village in Sigatoka has taken encouraging tourism to a whole new level.
The village has launched the Sanasana Landowners Tourism Activities Association in a bid to promote Natadola in Sigatoka as a prime tourism destination in Fiji.
The launch was held at Sanasana village community hall this week.
A total of 62 small businesses related to tourism have been registered with the association ensuring a vibrant environment for tourists and boosting local employment.
Government assures support
Divisional Planning Officer West, Luke Moroivalu, assured the association of Government’s support in the efforts of small businesses in Fiji.
“Utilising natural resources is a good source of income keeping in mind the environmental damage which should be avoided,” he said.
“Sanasana Village with the hotels like InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa Hotel and Natadola Beach Resort has made the mark in tourism.”
Economic contributor
Mr Moroivalu said: “This venture with 62 small businesses related to tourism will help generate jobs for local villagers leading to small yet a viable economic contributor for Fiji.
“Villagers will also have a fair idea to run their business accordingly to the market needs.”
Market centre establishment
The association in their scope of work to promote Natadola Bay, will construct a market centre on Natadola Bay property.
Association chairman, Nemani Kolikata, said the decision to form an association was to get every business in the village under the right guidance and well-informed procedures of doing business.
“We have plans to for a market centre to showcase the talents of locals together with tourist information centers and tour guides,” he said.
“The association has also drafted a code of ethics which has to be adhered in order to avoid discrepancies amongst local retailers.”