Market and Supply Chain Study, South Pacific, 2013

Project Consultant to assist two global furniture supply companies, specialising in the tourism and hospitality industry, launch into the South Pacific market. Market research and analysis, supply and distribution strategy, development of a CRM database and attendance at trade shows.

Resort Investment Plan, Fiji, 2012

Project Consultant for a Fiji Resort to assist with an investment strategy plan for resort expansion, including extra rooms, land sales for villa developments and the development of a cultural heritage attraction. Also assisted with an internal financial audit to uncover fraud within the purchasing and accounting departments.

Fiji Yacht Tourism Policy, 2011

Commissioned by the Marine Operators Sub-Committee of the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association to update and edit various policy papers, yacht user surveys and other research data into a Policy Paper to be presented to Government. The key recommendations were:

  • Improve all Stakeholders’ awareness about the significance of yachting tourism to the Fiji economy, particularly the growing superyacht industry.
  • Improve the communication and co-ordination of policy dialogue, interpretation and implementation between the commercial yachting industry and the key Government stakeholders involved in yachting tourism.
  • Establish two ‘one-stop-shops’ at Port Denarau and Vuda Marina for a more efficient customs clearance procedure, issuing of cruising permits, payment of a single fee and the monitoring for compulsory reporting of yacht locations within Fiji.

Preliminary Feasibility Study, Fiji, 2011

Project Consultant for a Company exploring for Natural Gas, seeking initial funding for a feasibility study. Introduced them to a range of possible funding sources, arranged stakeholder consultations and assisted with a funding submission.

Business Plan for Marina Development and Supply Chain Business, Nadroga Province, Fiji, 2010/2011

Commissioned by a private resort operator to undertake a preliminary feasibility study and assessment of property upgrading and improvements, including an EIA for a marina development; beach reclaimation and mangrove restoration; ‘on-site’ staff business process of the pacificdreamscapes backyard outdoor kitchen san diego management and marketing training; development of a supply chain business to link local farmers and handicraft groups as suppliers to tourism operators in the Mamanuca Island group. Consultations and preparation of a CDE funding submission for:

  • Infrastructure Planning Study for Marina development to become the focal access point in the supply chain.
  • Market Needs Survey and Analysis to assess potential suppliers and match with potential markets in island resorts
  • Business and Investment Plan for Supply Chain Business Operation

Integrated Regional Tourism Investment Plan, Vuda-Saweni Region, Nadi/Lautoka, Fiji, 2010/2011

Project Manager and Team Leader for EU/CDE funded Regional Tourism Investment Plan. Feasibility study for a ‘Tourist Loop Road’ as a scenic attraction to improve access and link regional tourist products. Identification, market assessment and investment analysis of 25 individual tourism development projects.  Included a Physical Planning and Infrastructure Support Plan; Environmental Impact Assessment; Regional Tourism Marketing Plan; Community Tourism and Conservation Training Program. A good example of a PPP as there was a partnering with various stakeholders from Government departments (Provincial Development, Finance, Works, Environment, Tourism), the local Rural Development Authority, local tourism, marina and accommodation operators, oil companies (who have storage terminals nearby and need the road diverted for OH&S), local village communities who rely on tourism income and residents who require infrastructure improvements.

Feasibility Study and Investment Strategy Plan, International Ecotourism Operator, Fiji, 2006 to 2008

Initially funded as a CDE/EU ProInvest Feasibility Study and Investment Plan, the project concept is now being distributed to potential investors. More recently, funding has been received through the UNDP Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project has developed an authentic, viable, more sustainable, rural community-based ecotourism business development model which can be transferred to other Pacific Islands and to other countries to assist local communities. This project will help combat non-sustainable resource depletion, assist with poverty alleviation, create employment opportunities and generate income to assist with other community development projects. The project utilizes community tourism as a development tool to help retard and protect against the senseless loss of vital natural and cultural resources.

There are three integrated business operations within the project – Village style Eco-Resorts, Community Tourism Training Centres (within the resort facilities) and Eco-Adventure Tours. This community tourism model and its commercial approach differ from the majority of mainstream commercial tourism developments and operators in the following ways:

  • Indigenous landholders, traditional resource owners and local communities, as distinct from just foreign owned companies, are involved as majority shareholders and operating partners in the ecotourism businesses developed (e.g. accommodation, tours, activities, attractions management and training)
  • Environmental management techniques and responsible tourism is encouraged, practiced and actually become part of the tourism products presented
  • Direct economic, cultural, social and environmental benefits flow into local communities providing them with a greater ability to earn income from these much needed community projects, thus creating sustainability for future generations. This also assists in reducing the ‘leakage’ factor to national economies
  • Visitors and tourists are provided with the opportunity to participate in a more authentic and active life experience by integrating more with the local people and learning more about their cultures and natural environment.

Business Plan for a Community Tourism Training Centre, International Ecotourism Operator, Fiji, 2006/07

An EU/CDE funded project to develop a full business plan with concept, curriculum, staffing schedules, timetables, course marketing, equipment, resource materials, capital costs and operating budget. Training targeted at community tourism operators and local villagers.