The Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA) held its first annual general meeting in Suva on Saturday, gathering members and potential members from across Fiji to promote the empowerment of Indigenous Fijian communities through tourism.
Dr. Apisalome Movono, VITA’s research and development officer, emphasized that the organization emerged from comprehensive research and collaboration. An examination of the Great Council of Chiefs and the Fijian administration underscored the necessity for VITA, revealing a significant gap in effective coordination and dialogue to align tourism initiatives with Indigenous goals, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.
Founding president Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa highlighted the significance of the AGM as a landmark event in the evolution of Indigenous tourism in Fiji. He remarked that the establishment of VITA marks not just the initiation of a new program but also a celebration of a decade-long movement driven by a collaborative vision.
VITA is anchored by four fundamental principles:
1. Cultural Empowerment: Emphasizing the importance of Indigenous heritage.
2. Sustainability: Focusing on the preservation of natural and cultural resources for future generations.
3. Community Leadership: Enabling local groups, such as mataqali, tokatoka, and yavusa, to take charge and share equitably in the benefits of tourism.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Fostering innovation and collaboration among various stakeholders.
This initiative represents a hopeful step towards more inclusive and sustainable tourism practices in Fiji, aiming to uplift Indigenous communities and ensure that their voices are integral in tourism development. By prioritizing cultural empowerment and sustainable practices, VITA seeks not only to promote tourism but also to preserve the invaluable heritage of Indigenous Fijians.
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