The chairman of the MSME council, Watesoni Nata Jr, has voiced concerns that small businesses should not be charged the same booth fees as larger corporations at the Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE). Speaking at the recent Fiji Convention 2024 in Nadi, Mr. Nata emphasized the need for a more thoughtful approach to product development and marketing tailored to smaller operators. He proposed a tiered pricing model specifically designed for these businesses, arguing that larger firms can afford to pay more, which would help lower costs for smaller entities.
Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill responded to these comments by expressing appreciation for the insights shared at the convention, acknowledging the critical importance of supporting smaller operators within the tourism sector. He noted that last year, Tourism Fiji offered support to over 50 small businesses at no cost during the Tourism SuperWeek, and facilitated sponsorships allowing an additional 60 small businesses to participate in AdventureEDU training.
Mr. Hill reaffirmed that Tourism Fiji is dedicated to helping small and micro businesses navigate entry into the tourism industry and enhance their readiness for trade opportunities. He mentioned that the next Tourism Super Week is set for May 5 to May 9, 2025, with the goal of providing further training and support for small businesses. Additional resources include free online industry insights, updates, and assistance to improve visibility in the tourism market.
Addressing the suggestion for a tiered pricing structure for the FTE, Mr. Hill acknowledged the concerns raised by Mr. Nata. He indicated that efforts are underway to make participation more accessible to trade-ready operators, regardless of their size. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the MSME Council and other stakeholders to strengthen the tourism industry in Fiji.