Members of the Tavoro Forest Park Co-operative Limited,
Representatives from the Vanua,
The Bouma Community,
Invited Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vina’a and a very Good Afternoon to you all.
Thank you for the very warm welcome and it’s good to be back here, in the beautiful Garden Island of Fiji. The lush green beauty and scenic sites are just simply mesmerising to witness!!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends,
We are here today to celebrate the efforts of Tavoro Forest Park Co-operative Limited in continuing to improve its service delivery and represent what Bouma and Taveuni has to offer to the world.
Our Tourism Industry is resilient and fast growing, even with the COVID 19 pandemic – the country is on a steady road of recovery and this is possible all because of the persevering spirit of our Fijian People.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for hard work and achievement in recognising the potential in your available resources and creating meaningful entrepreneurial ventures from it. The re-opening of the newly built facility is another step further in your business and will be of great benefit and experience to tourists visiting the Bouma Falls.
This ecotourism venture will provide an additional avenue of income for the people of Bouma village, here in Taveuni. You are creating employment and generating economic activities on your Island.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tavoro Forest Park harbours rushing waterfalls, colourful bird species, deep lush vegetation, which is soothing to the mind, body and the spirit. The cool absorbent environment helps rejuvenate oneself after a short visit to these exquisite sites. So it is our responsibility to see that it is not exploited or damaged at any point.
I would like to thank the youth of this village, who have used their talents and skills in the construction of this facility. I personally want to acknowledge the Co-operative Board for standing in and being the voice of the community which is a true example of how our community spirit can be used for the greater good.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Preliminary findings from Fiji’s International Visitor Survey (IVS) for the period April to August 2022 reveal $805 million in tourism earnings.
The five months of findings show that visitors spent $271 per person per night, which was up considerably (+12%) from the average $242 spent in 2019, over the same five months. This means that tourists are spending more money every day in Fiji.
Soft adventure tourism and nature-based tourism is one the fastest growing market segments globally. In fact, in 2019, close to 20% of our tourists came to the North for this experience. Such unique Tourist attraction sites and the Fijian hospitality positions Fiji on a more competitive edge compared to other tourist destinations.
If more tourists come here, they bring money to spend here, meaning that everyone benefits. From the transport that picks up the tourists from the airport or wharf, to the farmers that produce vegetables and root crops, to the fisherfolk that catch fish, everyone benefits.
That means, more money in your pockets, meaning you can easily afford to put food on the table, send your children to school and universities and improve your homes.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
That is where the Grant support through the Integrated Human Resources Development Programme (IHRDP) is important. The total project amounts to 89,995.00 to which the government has contributed $59,996.67 (two-third) and the co-operative has contributed $29,998.33 (one-third).
This Public Private Partnership model has enabled the purchase of building materials, back-up generators and construction and upgrade of the facility which includes the boutique, reservation area, dining lounge, office and restroom facilities. This is the first project we have supported through IHRDP in Taveuni – but will not be the last.
Through the various MSME programmes, the Government has invested approximately 100 million into respective sectors across Fiji from which we have invested $36 million into the development of the MSMEs in the Northern Division.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today I wish to share my personal experience. One can say that I have travelled quite significantly, from Europe to Asia, to Africa to America. There is nothing like what you have in Taveuni in the world. People always ask me – what can I come and do in Fiji, where can I go? – next time my response will be – travelling to Taveuni and visiting Bouma Waterfalls is a must do!
Just because you may be isolated from the Main Island does not mean that we have forgotten you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
For the long term, I wish to ask you to think outside the box – to broaden your business scope, because Taveuni is a gold mine as a travel destination because it has every possible attraction that a tourist would seek – You name it and Taveuni has it! As a tourism business you can include package deals with services such as accommodation, tours, pick-ups, scuba diving, weddings, yachting, shark diving, hiking and so much more. Make this beautiful experience a lifetime highlight for our visitors.
Collaboration with partner agencies such as Taveuni Tourism Associations, travel agencies and tour companies to market your products. Do make use of such platforms. We are here, my Ministry is also responsible for Tourism and with this partnership today, it does not just stop there.
We are here to help you recognise your potential and help you to reach greater heights in Tourism business!
In fact, the World Bank through the International Finance Corporation has allocated funding to undertake which is empowering community level and groups in Fiji and we are working with IFC to elevate our Tourism sector and connect industries such as service and agriculture.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to remind the Tavoro Forest Park Co-operative Limited and community at large, that you need to take full ownership of the business and ensure that it flourishes and grows. We can work together to take it to new heights.
Furthermore, you need to look after the facility and maintain them when need be. I encourage you all to work hard with pride and continue to press on into the future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With those words, it gives me great pleasure to officially declare the newly built facility of Tavoro Forest Park Co-operative Limited open.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
