The Fijian government is focusing on micro and small enterprises to stimulate growth in the tourism sector with the introduction of the Pilot Tourism MSE Fund. This initiative provides essential grants, training, and marketing support aimed at empowering small operators and diversifying the nation’s tourism offerings.
Tourism Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka emphasized that this fund is designed to enhance business participation and improve overall visitor experiences. The program also aims to strengthen supply chains and bolster resilience within the tourism industry.
In the 2024-2025 financial year, the fund received 75 applications, ultimately approving 19 projects, with 47 percent of these initiatives led by women entrepreneurs. Grants issued varied from $15,000 for micro businesses to $25,000 for small enterprises. For the following financial year of 2025-2026, 33 applications were submitted, resulting in the approval of nine projects with a total funding contribution of $167,193. Additionally, seven projects have received conditional approval pending further verification, bringing total commitments from both years to nearly $350,000, with remaining funds set aside for conditional applicants.
Eligible businesses for the fund must be majority Fijian-owned, operational for a minimum of two years, and derive most of their revenue from tourism-related activities. The types of enterprises targeted by the fund include tours, homestays, adventure activities, marine transport, cultural experiences, agritourism, and creative arts.
The program also encompasses training initiatives focusing on business continuity, digital skills, financial literacy, and tour guiding to enhance operational resilience and foster networking among small operators. Awareness campaigns and published videos have helped applicant businesses gain marketing exposure, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation will assess the fund’s impact and inform necessary adjustments.
Minister Gavoka noted that the Pilot MSE Fund is closely aligned with the government’s broader objective of fostering growth in Fiji’s tourism sector, serving as a vital catalyst for micro and small enterprises, particularly in rural and maritime regions. This commitment reflects a hopeful vision for a diverse and resilient tourism landscape that can enhance the local economy and provide meaningful opportunities for the community.
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