In a bid to deepen its commitment to the local communities, the World Surf League (WSL) has made a significant donation of $60,000 to the people of Tabanivono-i-Wai (Nabila & Momi villages) as a goodwill contribution.
This follows the announcement of the highly anticipated return of the Fiji Pro to the elite Championship Tour (CT) schedule in 2024 that was made by WSL and the government last month.
In a statement, WSL says this contribution is also for their support for the event and to facilitate access to the rebuilt Cloudbreak judging tower and reef annually.
They say this community play an integral role in making this event a reality.
They add the Fiji Pro is not just about world-class surfing; it's about the deep connection between the sport and the community.
To mark this occasion, a traditional welcome and sevusevu ceremony was held at the Nabila community hall.
While officiating at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka says giving back to the local community and traditional custodians is an important part of tourism.
Gavoka says in this case, we are empowering the people of Tabanivono i Wai who stand to benefit from commercialising the soon-to-be-built Cloudbreak Tower.
Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill highlighted this event as a crucial moment of recognition as to how tourism benefits and rebuilds the local communities.
Hill says events like the WSL not only boost tourism in Fiji but also forge meaningful connections with the local people, culture, and environment.
He says Tourism Fiji take great pride in collaborating with WSL to make this event a reality, generating a wide range of economic activities.
WSL will cover the entire cost of constructing the new tower and donate it to Nabila and Momi Villages.
