The chair of the MSME Council, Watesoni Nata Jr., urged the Fiji Government to collaborate with Airbnb and similar platforms to boost visibility for smaller accommodation operators. During a recent discussion at the Fiji Tourism Convention in Nadi, Nata highlighted that these operators must comply with safety regulations to be listed on such platforms.
He emphasized that the government could leverage these regulations to simplify the requirements for smaller accommodation providers. Nata criticized the current approach, arguing that the government should proactively engage with Airbnb to address tax-related issues instead of remaining passive. He noted the popularity of traditional bungalow and fale accommodations in neighboring countries like Vanuatu and Samoa, stating that Fiji’s lack of similar options is largely due to the rigid one-size-fits-all legislation.
Nata pointed out specific challenges, such as farmers on agricultural leases being unable to set up tent sites without converting their leases, which hinders diversification and limits agritourism potential. He called for the implementation of minimum standards for this type of accommodation, similar to practices in other Pacific Island nations, and expressed his approval that discussions on these standards are already in progress.
He suggested that Fiji could benefit from examining Vanuatu’s advancements in regenerative agri-tourism, which could serve as a model for local communities and i-taukei-led tourism initiatives.