A significant milestone for indigenous development and sustainable tourism in Fiji was marked yesterday with the official handover of the Fiji Indigenous Tourism Framework (2026–2036) by consultant Dr. Apisalome Movono to the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Hon. Ifereimi Vasu.
The occasion marked the culmination of extensive consultations, research, and collaboration with stakeholders across Fiji, and signalled the commencement of a coordinated national effort to strengthen iTaukei participation and leadership in the tourism sector.
The Fiji Indigenous Tourism Framework provides a comprehensive 10-year roadmap to increase iTaukei leadership, ownership, and economic returns within Fiji’s tourism industry, while safeguarding the integrity of the vanua, culture, and natural environment.
Tourism remains one of Fiji’s most important economic sectors. However, structural imbalances have historically limited equitable participation and benefit-sharing for iTaukei landowners and communities. The Framework directly addresses these gaps by establishing clear policy directions and practical mechanisms to ensure that tourism development on iTaukei land delivers fair, sustainable, and long-term benefits.
The Framework emphasises a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together:
a. Government ministries and statutory bodies
b. iTaukei institutions
c. Provincial councils and communities
d. The private sector
e. Civil society organisations
f. Development partners
This collaborative model ensures that indigenous tourism development is not only community-driven but also aligned with national economic priorities and international best practice.
During the ceremony, Dr. Movono acknowledged the contributions of traditional leaders, community representatives, tourism operators, and government officials who participated in consultations and technical discussions throughout the development of the Framework.
The Honourable Minister for iTaukei Affairs welcomed the Framework as a timely and strategic instrument to empower iTaukei communities and strengthen their role in shaping the future of Fiji’s tourism sector. The Minister noted that the Framework provides a clear pathway to balance economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
With the formal handover completed, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs will now lead the next phase of implementation, including stakeholder briefings, institutional alignment, and the development of phased action plans. As part of the next steps, the Ministry will table the Framework to Cabinet for approval and subsequently submit it to the Ministry of Finance for budget consideration to support its phased implementation.
The Fiji Indigenous Tourism Framework (2026–2036) represents a landmark step toward a more inclusive, resilient, and culturally grounded tourism sector — one in which iTaukei communities are not only participants, but leaders and primary beneficiaries of sustainable national growth.