A call has been made for more flexible hotel regulations in Fiji to promote the growth of tourism-related micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) while enhancing community empowerment and inclusivity within the industry. Watesoni Nata Jr, chairman of the MSME Council, emphasized the urgent need for reform during the Fiji Tourism Convention 2024, which commenced in Denarau, Nadi.
Nata Jr pointed out that despite the demand for more accommodation, anyone wishing to establish a small resort, homestay, or campsite encounters an approval process that can last up to three to four years, depending on land type. He stressed that this situation affects mataqali members and local communities aiming to develop their own land and engage in the tourism sector.
The MSME Council is advocating for changes to hotel licensing laws to create a new category tailored for smaller, community-oriented operators, including homestays and agritourism. Nata Jr highlighted that existing regulations hinder the expansion and diversification of accommodation options.
He noted that many potential operators are eager to set up campsites and homestays with minimal investment. “These are the businesses we should be supporting,” he stated, urging that hotel licensing regulations should reflect varying requirements for different business sizes and facilitate quicker openings for these enterprises.
Nata Jr acknowledged that platforms like AirBnB have alleviated some obstacles for smaller operators by providing an online presence and simplifying access to the e-commerce market. The MSME Council, under which Nata Jr operates, is one of nine councils within the Fiji Employers Federation (FCEF), and he participated in the convention’s panel discussion on leveraging tourism for community empowerment and inclusivity.