One of the pioneer island destinations is once again on the rebound to mainline the tourism highway.
Return to paradise, return to Caqalai, the slogan is fitting for this image shift to restore true island experience offered in this spectacular archipelago.
Caqalai is a backpacker hostel, which financially supports nine villages on the nearby island of Moturiki.
It is managed by Viliame Koyamaibole and owned by the Methodist Church of Fiji.
It is off the main tourist track and is the perfect place for all those who want to get away from it all and experience a real laid back Fiji island.
Caqalai Island is a beautiful 14-acre coral island south of Ovalau on a sea area known as Moturiki passage.
It is 30 minutes by boat east of Viti Levu in the Lomaiviti Group, “The Heart of Fiji”.
Mr Koyamaibole says it only takes about 20 minutes to walk around the island, which is surrounded by stunning coral reef, beautiful beach and turquoise clear warm ocean waters.
Caqalai has been referred to by many as one of the best snorkelling reefs and fully catered with budget prices for individuals, couples, families, backpackers or groups.
“Moturiki Methodist circuit, chiefs and elders made the pledge to transfer the management contract to K Saravi Tourism Consultancy to supervise the return to paradise shift.
“This will see the turn-key return of the island in a global competitive product status upon contract completion.”
He says part of the mission is to employ a full self- sufficient and sustainable island model through nature conservation practices with eco-tourism driver.
“At the same time this pro-poor tourism initiative puts to practice local and modern skills and knowledge to engage tourist, locals, volunteers, study groups participate in this initiative.
“It will be an ongoing progression towards achieving full organic island with sustainable power supply, water supply, sewer controls, adaptive climate change controls practices, financially rewarding and naturally loved for its rich biodiversity.”
Mr Koyamaibole says the island is a great source of livelihood to the people of Moturiki as an important economic catalyst for supplies, contracted services, art and craft products, culture and traditional appreciation excursions, direct employment and ancillary services with socioeconomic, cultural and natural rewards.
“Moturiki people are very attached to the project and have committed labour and material contribution towards the project, a unique solesolevuti model that can achieve greater heights in improving the status of small medium tourism accommodation providers.”
He says the new vision is to create a natural Fijian island lifestyle by building original bure structures, promote most non-motorised guest activities, produce its own organic food supplies, source alternative power supply, compost toilets, water harvesting and that is appreciated by people who love such lifestyle.
“This is the most critical thing that is slowly fading in popular tourism hot spots in Fiji because of the race towards economic short-term gain.
“Return to paradise, return to Caqalai is sincere to maintain this as this was always remembered by those earlier patrons,” he adds
He says the formal launch is expected next month while guests are still frequenting the rebound paradise.
