Talanoa with Bulou

Turning Culture into Cash: The Untapped Goldmine of Fijian Heritage

Fiji is rich—not just in breathtaking landscapes but in something even more valuable: our culture. Every chant, every handcrafted mat, every bowl of yaqona tells a story. But while tourists flock to our beaches, our cultural heritage remains an untapped economic powerhouse just waiting to be monetized. 

Imagine if every province had its own cultural village, where BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS visitors could experience traditional cuisine, crafts, storytelling, and ceremonies unique to that region. What if we restored ancient relics, large monuments, and archaeological sites to showcase our history, not just for tourists but for younger generations who deserve to know their roots?

We have 14 provinces and Rotuma, each with something distinct to offer. Instead of just watching tourists sunbathe, why not invite them into our world? Heritage tours, cultural festivals, and locally guided experiences could inject money directly into communities, empowering landowners and artisans while strengthening our national identity.

This is more than just tourism; it’s about owning our narrative, celebrating our traditions, and making culture work for us. I look forward to driving this change—because our past deserves a future.