Lote’s Homestay in Namulomulo, Nabouwalu, Bua, has successfully established itself as a popular destination, attracting numerous visitors during the festive season. Owner Alipate Radrodro, a former employee of the hotel industry, reported that last December, over 100 guests utilized the homestay, including personnel from government agencies and NGOs.
Radrodro started this venture following Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020, with his first customers being staff from Save the Children Fiji, who were in the area for post-cyclone assessments. Over a three-month period, the organization relied on his hospitality.
At 38 years old, Radrodro drew on his previous experience as a Business Development Manager at Holiday Inn Suva, perceiving the homestay as a way to achieve financial stability and entrepreneurship. The family home has been transformed to accommodate guests, featuring 17 available spaces across three separate houses. The rates are set at $100 per person per night, which includes breakfast and dinner.
Customer reviews highlight the homestay’s unique position as the only accommodation in Nabouwalu, conveniently located near the Nabouwalu Jetty. Radrodro noted that ferry passengers often utilize the facility, especially during delays.
In a move that further diversified his business, Radrodro launched a vehicle rental service in 2023, managing 13 vehicles, including a minibus serving the Nabouwalu-Labasa corridor. He credits the success of his homestay with providing the foundation for this new venture.
Looking ahead, Radrodro has ambitious plans for expansion. He aims to enhance the homestay with the addition of a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant, with an estimated construction cost reaching nearly $1 million. This development is projected to create 15 new jobs within the community as he leases beachfront land from the local mataqali (landowners) to offer an upgraded experience for guests.
Driven by a sense of optimism and a vision for growth, Radrodro continues to innovate in Nabouwalu, shaping the future of his homestay business.
This story serves as an inspiring example of resilience and entrepreneurship. It highlights the potential for individuals to transform challenging circumstances into thriving business opportunities, benefiting not only themselves but also their local communities.
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