KATY Pakinga, a seasoned South Pacific travel content creator, event coordinator, music educator and performer, is impacting the travel industry with a mission that goes beyond traditional tourism.
Originally from Tasmania, Australia, and now based in Wellington, New Zealand, Ms Pakinga’s journey with Fiji has evolved into a deeply personal and professional commitment.
What started as a vacation in July 2022 has blossomed into a series of regular visits, collaborations and has turned her into a champion of Fiji’s local businesses and authentic travel experiences.
Her first trip to Fiji was meant to be a well-deserved break after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
She and a friend saved up for the trip, seeking out a tropical destination in which to unwind.
Little did she know that this would be the beginning of a profound connection with Fiji that would shape her travel experiences.
Without any social media following beyond family and friends, Ms Pakinga simply documented her journey to Fiji.
To her surprise, her posts began to garner attention, and before long, she was invited to explore more of the islands and connect with locals, fuelling her passion for the country’s culture, food, and, most importantly, its people.
“Fiji is addictive,” Ms Pakinga said with a smile.
Faceboookers would be more familiar with her page “What Katy Did Next”.
“The hospitality, the culture, and the people have made me feel like I have a huge Fijian family; it’s not just a holiday destination, it’s home.”
Over the course of 10 trips, her relationship with Fiji deepened, and she became an advocate for the authentic, grassroots side of Fiji.
For her, it’s not about the luxury resorts or the well-trodden tourist paths it’s about helping smaller, locally owned businesses thrive.
Ms Pakinga’s background in hotel management, combined with her work as a music educator and event coordinator provides her with a unique skill set for promoting small businesses.
She uses her platform to help local entrepreneurs navigate the often-overwhelming world of social media marketing.
She’s passionate about educating small business owners on how to leverage free tools like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to promote their services to a global audience.
In fact, Katy has run workshops for women in business in Fiji, teaching them how to use social media advertisement.
“I believe that the real potential in Fiji lies not just in foreign investment, but in the hands of the locals,” she said in an interview with this newspaper.
“There are so many hidden gems here, small businesses and unique experiences that need more attention.
“Tourism can be a powerful tool for growth, but it needs to be approached with authenticity and sustainability in mind.”
This led her to work with Village Stay Fiji, an organisation that offers travellers the chance to experience real Fijian village life.
Ms Pakinga is excited to help amplify this type of tourism, which goes beyond the typical tourist experience. By staying in villages, tourists can enjoy authentic Fijian meals, participate in local activities like horse riding and develop genuine connections with the people.
For her, that’s the “real” Fiji, an experience that helps support local families and preserves the island’s unique culture.
But it’s not just about promoting businesses. Her in the community is equally hands-on.
She has been actively involved in relief efforts during natural disasters in Fiji and was involved in organising donation drives for victims of last week’s flooding in Nadi.
Unlike many who simply donate money, she prefers to get involved directly, purchasing items and distributing them to those in need.
This proactive approach, along with her transparency in how funds are used, has earned her the trust of both her followers and the Fijian community.
While her work is largely self-funded, she is also in discussions with organisations like Tourism Fiji, who have shown interest in collaborating with her.
“I didn’t start this to get free trips. I started because I truly love Fiji, and I want to help these businesses grow,” she said.
Her ambition is clear: she hopes to expand her influence in the Pacific region, using her platform to promote authentic, sustainable travel experiences in other countries beyond Fiji.
Looking ahead, she plans to host more guided tours, collaborate with local more organisations and continue sharing the stories of the people who make Fiji what it is.
“I want people to see the side of Fiji that’s often overlooked; the genuine, unpolished, real Fiji,” she said
“There’s so much to offer here that’s not in the guidebooks.”
For travelers looking to experience the true essence of Fiji, Ms Pakinga’s advice is simple.
“Get off the beaten path. Ride the local bus, visit a village, share a meal with the locals. That’s where you’ll find the heart of Fiji.”
Katy Pakinga’s work exemplifies how tourism, when done thoughtfully and authentically, can positively impact communities and create meaningful connections between cultures.
Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, the importance of local engagement, and the beauty of exploring the world in a way that’s real and sustainable.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print version of the Fiji Times dated December 24, 2024.
