FROM its very humble beginnings, Rosie Travel Group has ventured from tours to rental cars, resorts and event management, and has become a multi-million-dollar international business servicing more than 150,000 visitors.
The Fijian family-owned business has once again displayed extraordinary achievement and another first-of-its-kind following the unveiling of electric cars last year.
Now, the company has ventured into Fiji’s first-ever electric tourist coaches powered by the Fijian sun.
In the presence of government leaders, tourism professionals, sustainability experts, community advocates and academic voices, Rosie Travel Group launched its fleet of electric coaches, coinciding with the opening of the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2025, an international event held for the first time in Fiji and the Pacific region.
Rosie Travel Group and Ahura Resorts managing director Tony Whitton said the event marked a “a story not just for our company Rosie Holidays, but it’s a story of Fiji’s tourism journey to sustainability”.
“This is an investment of over $2.5million with the fleet of electric cars and now a fleet of electric coaches,” he said.
Mr Whitton reflected on the company’s strong values in learning and sharing knowledge.
“We are early adopters, we don’t have all the answers, we want to keep learning from conferences like today.
“We want to keep learning from countries like China and other international countries that are leading the way in electrical vehicle technology.
“But be assured that we want to learn and that in time we will be able to also share our knowledge with other like-minded companies here in Fiji.
“We believe in the importance of sustainability, of this beautiful island that God has gifted us for us to care for, to look after our air, forest, oceans, rivers, culture and sustainability.
“Right at the forefront will be Fiji’s tourism industry and we are investing in that.”
The historic milestone aligns with the company’s ambitious goal of making 50 per cent of its transport fleet zero-emission by 2030.
Rosie Travel Group’s journey to zero emission is nothing short of visionary, according to Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka.
He told the launching ceremony at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort that from private transfer vehicles to the impressive fleet of electric coaches, Rosie Travel Group continues to break boundaries and venture where no one else has dared to go before.
“And they do so not for accolades, but for the love of Fiji, its people, its environment, and its future generations,” Mr Gavoka said.
“This is the spirit we need. This is the leadership we celebrate.
“As a government, and under this Coalition Government’s renewed focus on environmental stewardship and sustainable development, we remain steadfast in our support for initiatives like these.”
Mr Gavoka said Rosie Travel Group’s journey is an inspiration.
“Let us remember that innovation is not a choice, it is a necessity.
“And let us all be brave enough to power our dreams not just with words, but with the free and limitless energy of our Fijian sun.”
Rosie’s Group general manager Eroni Puamau said: “Fiji is our home.
“As a Fijian family-owned business, protecting and nurturing our island environment is a priority
“Our journey to electric vehicles began three years ago with extensive research and visits to electric vehicle manufacturers in China.
“After thorough evaluations, we selected Bonluck Bus & Coach Group (BLK), part of the giant conglomerate China Hi-Tech Group Corporation (CHTC), to manufacture and deliver our next-generation zero-emission electric coaches.
“The President series is one of the world’s most advanced all-new wide-body coach liners, providing a zero pollution, quiet and smooth ride for our customers along with touch-screen navigation control for our drivers.
“The coaches feature advanced battery-electric technology, fast charging with a 300-kilometer range, ample luggage space, and luxurious interiors designed to Australian standards”.
BLK is a pioneering coach manufacturer and was the first Chinese company to receive ADR (Australian Design Rules) approval, meeting stringent design and safety standards for operation on Australian roads.
The company has been at the forefront of eco-friendly transportation, introducing fully electric and hydrogen fuel cell coaches to the Australian market and exporting to over 100 countries worldwide.
A critical component of this investment is the integration of advanced solar technology.
In collaboration with Solar Hub Fiji, Rosie has installed the country’s first-ever solar-powered fast charging stations at its transport hub.
At the cost of $600,000, these stations generate 110 kilowatts of energy per hour through solar panels, reinforcing the company’s commitment to clean, renewable energy solutions 100 per cent powered by the Fijian sun.
The Rosie Travel Group’s sustainability efforts have been widely recognised. Over the past six months, the company has received two prestigious sustainability awards: one from the Prime Minister of Fiji and another at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
With this groundbreaking initiative, Rosie Travel Group continues to redefine sustainable travel in Fiji, setting new standards for the tourism industry while ensuring a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
director Tony Whitton, creative director Brigid Whitton and general manager Eroni Puamau. Picture: SUPPLIED