Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Recently tourist reviews on the specialist independent travel website Leap Local were judged by an international panel of responsible tourism experts – including journalists and authors.

The five judges each picked six winning guides and services and then debated the results during an exciting live online conference. Tevita was chosen as one of the six winners and he most likely never knew he was even competing, but is pleased to be amongst the winners:

“This is a big honor for me, makes me feel very proud. To share the traditional culture of Fiji with the world is a blessing from God, vinaka vaka levu.”

The hospitality businesses and guides were judged on the quality of experience they provided to the traveller, their eco impact and whether they give back to their communities. Tevita was an obvious winner on all counts.

According to the judges this community manager deserves recognition for his work, he teaches about his culture and there is a mention of his family. The ideals of this community are beyond profit and are about experience, sharing their culture and much more.

Leap Local’s goal is to keep tourism dollars in the pockets of local communities. Sponsors of the competition, such as Go Outdoors from the UK, have provided prizes of sporting gear, while other sponsors are awarding free promotion to the winners. This is a big deal to those who don’t have the ability to advertise to an international market. The five other winners are from India, the Philippines, two from Peru, and Easter Island.

The tribe will be celebrating with Tevita on Vorovoro this week and next month when he travels to the UK.

Leap Local said that: Tribewanted is a bold initiative which has been instrumental to getting tourists and locals working together as a tribe in Fiji.

Congratulate Te directly tevita@tribewanted.com