A tourism hot-spot: Tifajek Mud Pools and Hot Springs, Sabeto, Fiji

PARTNERSHIPS FOR PRO-POOR GROWTH

A tourism hot-spot

Tifajek Mud Pools and Hot Springs, Sabeto, Fiji

Economic Constraint

Ms. Miliana Racule, Managing Director of Tifajek is the woman behind its success

Tourism is one of the largest industries in Fiji, and the largest employer of Fijian men and women. Visitor arrivals are growing every year averaging over 600,000 tourists over the last five years. But growth has come with its challenges. Competition from other islands in the Pacific region, offering similar attractions to Fiji is increasing. Fijian tour operators and tourism marketing campaigns are seeking out local authentic products, new unique Fiji experiences to maintain the appeal of Fiji tourism. While most foreign investors in tourism in Fiji are adapting and diversifying their operations, many local operators and service providers struggle to properly capitalise on their unique Fijian offerings and activities.

Many local entrepreneurs find it difficult to improve tourist amenities and provide appropriate hospitality services. Tifajek is a small indigenous family-owned business trying to turn a unique all-natural thermal and mud pool treatments into a viable tourism business.

Partnership Solution Vanua Levu

MDF supports Tifajek Mud Pools and Hot Springs to better cater to theTaveuni growing demand from tourists, particularly from cruise ships, who are keen to try something different to the usual Fijian holiday experience. Tifajek is the first indigenous familyFiji owned natural thermal and mud pool business to Tifajek Mud Pools & Hotsprings have been developed into a tourist destination in Fiji. Tifajek offers therapeutic mud and thermal Lautoka pool treatments, therapeutic massages, and locally produced handicrafts. Tifajek employees are men and Viti Levu Port Denarau Nadi women from the adjoining community who come from farming backgrounds. Having a business like Tifajek based in the community provides community members Suva with opportunities around earning incomes. Tifajek’s location in Sabeto makes it an appealing and easy day trip for tourists visiting from cruise ships or tourists in the major beach resorts looking for an alternative activity to the beach.

FIJI

Under the partnership the following activities were cost-shared between MDF and Tifajek: Kadavu

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Engaging a local landscape architect for designing the upgrade of tourist facilities on-site and ensuring retention of the natural character and beauty of the hot pools and surrounding landscape.

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Expanding the number of thermal and mud pools available to tourists.

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Strengthening the financial management capacity of Tifajek, for better management of the business expansion, by recruiting an Accounts Clerk.

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Training women from the community in a new therapy experience called the ‘Full Rejuvenating Body Therapy’, consisting of mud packs, mud scrubs, mud pool rinse, hot baths and massage.

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Improving the retail displays for handicraft sellers and makers at the facility by creating handicraft carts/stalls.

Early Signs of Pro-Poor Results

Tourists enjoying the mud pools.

Picture credit: Tifajek Mud Pools and Hot Springs

Tifajek currently employs eight men and women on a full-time basis, and an additional 33 men and women on a part-time basis. People work as masseurs, tour guides, property maintenance staff, caretakers, handicraft sellers, food sellers, and cultural entertainers. All the employees are from the surrounding local community.

Upon the completion of the upgrades to the thermal and mud pools, and the staff trainings, Tifajek is estimated to provide full-time employment for ten women and men, 25 therapists and 10 handicraft sellers, will benefit from increased income due to increased work hours, as tourist numbers rise.

The tourism attractions at Sabeto are diversifying the range of activities available for tourists in Nadi. The farmlands and picturesque mountains offer horseback riding and agritourism tours, mountain treks and hikes, garden tours, as well as the only mud and hot pools in the area. Mostly managed and operated by indigenous landowners, the activities offer natural and sustainable attractions that have been designed to complement their unique environment.

Currently, the facility is able to cater to around 80 tourists at any one time. With assistance from MDF, and fully developed, they will be able to host at least 350 tourists per visit, bringing in important income and growth for the business and the wider community.

For more information on MDF partnerships please visit: www.marketdevelopmentfacility.org