CAVU I KALAWA NA YAVUSA WAINIKORO E NA KENA TEIVAKI NA DOVU E NA NODRATOU QELE
October 30, 2026
VUANIQELE INVESTMENT: More Demand Leads to More Opportunities
November 11, 2026
In recent years, Mrs. Ana Rokosau Gasaucalayawa of Nasavu Village, Deuba, Serua, has worked tirelessly to establish her small tourism venture in an industry dominated by major operators such as Teki Tours, Rosie Holidays, and ATS Pacific.
Like many emerging local entrepreneurs, Mrs. Rokosau faces the challenge of competing with larger tourism companies that have extensive networks and established access to international visitors. Despite these obstacles, she remains determined to create opportunities for her family, community, and fellow landowners through sustainable tourism initiatives.
Mrs. Rokosau believes that larger operators can play a more active role in supporting grassroots businesses by creating pathways for collaboration and referrals that would allow small operators to benefit from the thriving tourism sector.
“We are not asking to compete with the big companies,” she said. “We are asking for an opportunity. If established operators can provide some support and encouragement to small local businesses, it would help us grow and ensure landowners also benefit directly from tourism.”
Her dream received a significant boost through the iTaukei Land Trust Board’s (TLTB) Taukei Development Fund Facility (TDFF), which approved a $20,000 plus loan to support the development of her tourism operation – now known as Nasamita Tours & Adventure.
The funding has enabled the purchase of construction materials for a small visitor shed and restroom facilities, as well as folding tables and chairs, life jackets, staff uniforms, insurance coverage, and working capital to help establish the business.
Mrs. Rokosau expressed her sincere gratitude to TLTB for believing in her vision and providing the financial assistance needed to get the business off the ground.
“Without the support from TLTB, it would have been very difficult to start. The assistance has given us confidence and motivation to continue building our tourism products,” she said.
Tourists have already started visiting the site, and Mrs. Rokosau is now focused on expanding her marketing efforts. She plans to visit major hotels, including the Grand Pacific Hotel, Holiday Inn Suva, and Novotel Lami, to distribute promotional brochures and encourage bookings for her day-trip packages during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday season.
Looking ahead, she has ambitious plans to expand through partnerships with local tourism operators. One proposed collaboration is with Eco-Highland Backpackers, which would see visitors travelling from Saliadrau, Namosi, by quad bike before being transported by boat to the picturesque Nasamita Waterfalls. The experience would include waterfall swimming, bamboo rafting, and a traditional Fijian BBQ lunch, offering tourists a unique adventure while creating economic opportunities for local landowners.
Mrs. Rokosau’s journey highlights both the challenges and potential faced by small indigenous tourism operators. With continued support, strategic partnerships, and greater collaboration within the tourism industry, enterprises like hers can grow into sustainable businesses that create employment, strengthen rural economies, and ensure more tourism revenue reaches our landowners.
