The Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA) recently convened its first annual general meeting in Suva, drawing together members and future participants from across Fiji. This gathering highlighted a collective goal of empowering Indigenous Fijian communities through tourism.
Dr. Apisalome Movono, VITA’s research and development officer, emphasized that the organization was established based on in-depth research and collaboration. He noted that the findings from a review of the Great Council of Chiefs and the Fijian administration underscored the necessity for an initiative like VITA. The reviews pinpointed a significant issue: the disconnect between tourism development and the authentic aspirations of Indigenous cultures, as well as the need for sustainable practices in the industry.
Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa, the founding president, characterized the AGM as a historic milestone for Indigenous tourism in Fiji. He stated that VITA represents not just the initiation of an organization, but the culmination of a movement that has been over a decade in the making, underscoring its foundation in collaborative research and a vision shared by dedicated individuals and communities.
VITA’s mission is organized around four fundamental principles:
1. Cultural Empowerment: Celebrating and respecting Indigenous heritage.
2. Sustainability: Ensuring that natural and cultural resources are preserved for future generations.
3. Community Leadership: Enabling local leaders, such as mataqali, tokatoka, and yavusa, to guide and benefit from tourism development.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Fostering innovation and partnerships among stakeholders.
This initiative reflects not just a commitment to enhancing tourism but also a promise to protect and promote the rich cultural identities of Indigenous Fijians. As VITA moves forward, it holds the potential to create a tourism sector that is both inclusive and sustainable, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous communities are heard and respected.
In summary, the establishment of VITA marks an encouraging step toward integrating Indigenous perspectives into tourism, which can lead to more authentic and sustainable travel experiences that benefit both local communities and visitors. This development fosters hope for a future where tourism serves as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and community empowerment.
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