SPANNING over 32 square kilometres, the Yasawa group of islands has become one of the biggest contributors towards tourist earnings in the Western Division.
With its unique landscape and a plethora of natural resources, this seemingly untouched part of Fiji has become popular with many visitors to the country today.
Home to about 19 resorts, most of which cater to backpackers, the safe transportation of tourists to and from the islands is an important component of everyday business.
And for South Sea Cruises, Blue Lagoon Cruises and Awesome Adventures Fiji, being the largest tourist transport companies for the area is a role they are more than happy to play.
Daily charters
Having started operations in 1998, South Sea Cruises commenced a daily charter to the Yasawas in 2002. Awesome Adventures Fiji also commenced daily charters to the area in the same year.
Under the leadership of the Fijian Holdings Ltd, this partnership has blossomed, with hundreds of tourists and locals making the trip.
A 240-seater catamaran vessel named Yasawa Flyer traverses the area every day, departing Port Denarau Marina at 8.30am and returning at 5.30pm. This transportation arrangement has also allowed Vinaka Fiji, the charitable arm for South Sea Cruises, to play an instrumental role in setting up various programs with different communities and integrating tourism with the Fijian culture.
Operations manager Elenoa Nimacere said the well-known hospitality of Fijians had been a key factor in developing the tourism industry in Yasawa.
“Seeing the growth of tourism in the area has made us very proud to being a part of it,” she said.
Ms Nimacere said the company had assisted several resort properties in Yasawa.
“I want to thank the community, the resorts in the Yasawas, our company and my team at Vinaka Fiji who are doing various projects. I wish to encourage partners in tourism to get on board and reach out to the community. Get on board and help out in whatever region you are from.”
