Private sector ecotourism from the ground up: the experiences and challenges of an outer island...
-
Upload
stuart-gow -
Category
Documents
-
view
1.174 -
download
3
description
Transcript of Private sector ecotourism from the ground up: the experiences and challenges of an outer island...
" Private sector ecotourism from the ground up: the experiences and
challenges of an outer island eco-resort in developing a world class
tourism and hotel operation"A Case Study
Stuart Gow, DirectorMatava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort
Private Sector Ecotourism● Not just villages● Not just backpacker● Larger corporations● Run as profit
making ventures● Expandable &
reproducible● Highly successful
around the world
EcoTourism from the Start..● From the start:
solar powerorganic gardeningeco-tourism principles
● A continuing active marketing plan taps in to the growing demand for planet friendly vacations.
Corporate ResponsibilityMatava Foundation● System to process
community requests for assistance
● Manages tourism involvement with community projects
● Relationship with communities
● Limits constant requests/ “aid mentality”
Foundation Program Areas4 only specific program areas
● Medical Support● Sustainable
Development● Environment ● Education
– Limits requests...
Strengths and AdvantagesGrowing market = High Demand● All tourists have
awareness of carbon footprints and environ-mental/social impacts
● Not just the outer island/small resorts but ALL tourists in Fiji
Strengths and AdvantagesRenewable Energy ● Solar power● Low energy fittings● 12v lights throughout● Saves MAJOR fuel bills!
Local produce● Organic Farm● Local village education
Strengths and AdvantagesUnique Selling Position
– International– Regional– South Pacific
● Early adopter● First 2 market● 3rd Party validation
Strengths and Advantages● Travel & Passion● Niche Markets – “Long
Tail”● Specific niche markets
– Diving– Gamefishing– Yoga/wellbeing– Birding– Seakayaking– Trekking– Photography
Strengths and AdvantagesOnline Marketing Strength● Clients tech-savvy● Online marketing VERY
cost effective● Early adopters● Multiple outlets● Embrace new
technologies● “Light on feet”
Eco and Ecotourism Awards● Awards =
– FREE advertising
– FREE PR– 3rd party
endorsement
Weaknesses and Difficulties● Location:
“Our biggest strength AND our biggest weak-ness”
● Waste management is difficult - recyclables and glass shipped with costs
● Infrastructure– Flights– Ferries
Weaknesses and Difficulties● Limit to Upscaling
Current Model- Maximum of 15 bures- power systems- waste management
● Communications- expensive- Satellite system- TFL business support?
Weaknesses and DifficultiesEcotourism Definition in Fiji and throughout region?
● Confusion about what constitutes ecotourism
● Misinterpreted as solely low-end backpacker / vil-lage based
● Tourism Fiji and Govt lagging/lacking in know-ledge
Opportunities● 2nd resort...
– In Fiji?– Regionally
?– Globally?
● Franchising?● Consulting?
" Private sector ecotourism from the ground up: the experiences and
challenges of an outer island eco-resort in developing a world class
tourism and hotel operation"A Case Study
Stuart Gow, DirectorMatava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort