Lote’s Homestay in Namulomulo, Nabouwalu, Bua, is flourishing as a popular destination, attracting a significant number of visitors during the holiday season. Owner Alipate Radrodro, who transitioned from a former hotel employee to an entrepreneur, reported that over 100 guests stayed at the homestay in December last year alone. Among the visitors were representatives from various government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
The homestay was established in 2020 following the devastation brought by Tropical Cyclone Yasa, with its initial guests being staff from Save the Children Fiji who were conducting assessments after the cyclone. Alipate, who previously worked as a Business Development Manager at Holiday Inn Suva, utilized his experience to turn his family home into a hospitable space. The homestay now accommodates 17 guests across three houses, offering rooms at $100 per person per night, including both breakfast and dinner.
The response from guests has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly due to its strategic location near the Nabouwalu Jetty. Mr. Radrodro even noted that ferry passengers often choose to stay during transit delays. Building on this success, he launched a vehicle rental business in 2023, which now operates 13 vehicles, including a minibus that serves the Nabouwalu-Labasa route.
Looking ahead, Mr. Radrodro has ambitious plans to expand the homestay to include a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. This expansion project, estimated to cost around $1 million, is expected to create jobs for 15 local residents. He has secured a lease for beachfront land from the Mataqali (landowners) to construct additional rooms, aiming to offer guests both a traditional homestay experience and a boutique beachfront hotel option.
Mr. Radrodro’s journey reflects a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the growth of his business and community. His vision of development in Nabouwalu paints a hopeful picture for the future, emphasizing the potential for tourism and local economic growth.
In summary, Lote’s Homestay not only serves as a successful business but also as a beacon of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and community development.
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