A significant $10 million allocation in the 2025-2026 National Budget to the Yasawa Tourism Marketing Cooperative has sparked debate among Opposition Members of Parliament. Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya expressed concerns, noting it might be the first instance of such a substantial amount being granted to a single cooperative.
The cooperative, which represents 12 hotel and backpacker operators in the Yasawa Islands, aims to revitalize tourism in the area, which has faced hardships due to challenges including cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic. Koya questioned the rationale behind directing such funding to a cooperative rather than to individual businesses, as the cooperative’s formation seems primarily for collective marketing efforts.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Cooperatives Manoa Kamikamica clarified that the focus of the budget allocation is on the individual tourism entities rather than the cooperative itself. He emphasized that the funding is essential to support these businesses, many of which received little government assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.
Kamikamica pointed out that the tourism sector in Yasawa has seen drastic reductions, with the number of businesses shrinking from 32 to around 12, highlighting the need to support indigenous operators in the region. The allocation is seen as a crucial step towards rebuilding the local tourism market, particularly to attract backpackers back to the area.
This investment aligns with previous initiatives where government officials have acknowledged the vital role of community-driven tourism in the Yasawa Islands, as evident from Kamikamica’s past tours of family-operated resorts which showcased their resilience and innovation despite economic challenges.
Furthermore, the government’s continued focus on empowering local businesses through community involvement suggests a hopeful trajectory for sustainable development in the Yasawa tourism sector. Strengthening these grassroots enterprises, particularly in the face of adversity, demonstrates a commitment to fostering a thriving economic environment that directly benefits local communities and preserves the region’s natural beauty.
Positive developments in community-focused tourism highlight the potential for recovery and growth in the Yasawa Islands, supporting not just the economy but also the cultural heritage and environmental sanctuaries that define this beautiful region. Through collaboration and investment, the future of tourism in this vibrant part of Fiji looks promising.
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