The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has introduced the Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprise Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) within the tourism sector. This fund is backed by a significant allocation of $400,000 from the national budget for 2024-2025.
The ministry emphasizes that this grant program aims to provide direct support to small businesses, including family-owned guesthouses, local tour operators, and providers of cultural activities, which are essential to Fiji’s tourism industry. By addressing financial accessibility issues, the program is expected to help businesses improve their offerings and better meet the increasing demand for authentic cultural and community-based tourism experiences.
This initiative is a component of the government’s larger strategy to maintain the resilience, inclusivity, and global competitiveness of the tourism sector. The Fund aligns with important national programs, including the Na Vualiku Tourism Development Program and the Farm to Fork Initiative, establishing a strong support system for local entrepreneurs and communities.
Eligible applicants for the grants must be Fijian citizens aged 18 and older, operate a majority locally-owned business, have been in business for at least two years, and demonstrate that a significant portion of their revenue comes from the tourism sector. Furthermore, they must contribute one-third of the project’s total cost.
A public-private panel, which includes government representatives and partners such as the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, Fiji Development Bank, and Business Assistance Fiji, will oversee the program. Applications for the fund are open from December 4 and will remain available until February 28 of the following year, providing a new opportunity for local businesses to thrive in the tourism sector.
This initiative is a positive step toward strengthening Fiji’s tourism landscape and supporting its local businesses, ensuring that they can adapt and prosper in a competitive global market while contributing to the country’s cultural heritage and community well-being.
Leave a comment