THE Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA) held its inaugural annual general meeting on Saturday in Suva, an event that brought together members and prospective members from across the country, united by a shared vision of empowering Indigenous Fijian communities through tourism.
“VITA is the product of extensive research and collaboration,” VITA’s research and development officer Dr Apisalome Movono said.
“The findings from the review of the Great Council of Chiefs and the Fijian administration further validated the need for an initiative like VITA. These reviews identified a critical gap: the lack of coordination and meaningful dialogue to align tourism development with Indigenous aspirations, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.”
Founding president Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa described the AGM as a pivotal moment in the history of Indigenous tourism in Fiji.
“This is not just the launch of an initiative, it is the celebration of a movement more than a decade in the making. VITA is grounded in research, collaboration, and the shared vision of passionate individuals and communities.”
VITA’s work is guided by four key principles:
1. Cultural Empowerment: Honouring and celebrating Indigenous heritage.
2. Sustainability: Preserving natural and cultural resources for future generations.
3. Community Leadership: Empowering mataqali, tokatoka, and yavusa to lead and benefit equitably.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Driving innovation and collaboration among stakeholders.
