The Koroipita community in Lautoka received a major boost to its livelihood and infrastructure.

This was possible with the partnership of TravelOnline, a leading Australian Tour Operator, with its ground operator Rosie Holidays.

Koroipita township is a community with more than 300 homes and 1330 residents, from low-income families who enjoy the safety of a cyclone-certified home, water and electricity supply, recreational facilities, and supported income-generating and advancement projects.

TravelOnline managing director Glenn Checkley said: “We were aware of the impact COVID-19 had on the Fijian tourism industry and Fiji’s economy. As part of our commitment to help everyday Fijians get back on their feet, our ground agent Rosie Holidays introduced us to the Koroipita sewing boutique in 2023.

“We donated new sewing machines, and the Family Advancement team, together with Sew Aid, provided training. Now, four women are employed fulltime. Bags are hand-made with love by an amazing group of women living in Koroipita and are just one of the ways we have found to support everyday Fijians that are so dear to our hearts.”

Model Towns general manager Paul Forrest said: “This arrangement with TravelOnline is very much valued. Apart from providing a living for four families, it creates an opportunity for young people to come and learn skills that could lead to employment elsewhere in the garment industry or help them to become budding entrepreneurs.”

Rosie Holidays managing director Tony Whitton, who is also a Trustee of Koroipita Model Town, said: “The Beach Bag project is another example of how the tourism dollar circulates to everyone in Fiji,” he said.

“TravelOnline shares our belief that tourism has the power to improve the social and economic well-being of every Fijian. We have been involved in Koroipita for over 20 years, building homes, pathways, playgrounds, and even their kindergarten. Over this time, we have been able to introduce many of our global tourism partners to projects like this, and when a synergy is found, it results in the betterment of lives, even in remote communities.”

In 2019, the management team from TravelOnline sent more than 27,000 passengers to Fiji annually who joined a Rosie Holidays community outreach programme building homes at Koroipita.

When the borders reopened in 2023, TravelOnline visited Koroipita and awarded a long-term contract to the Koroipita Micro-enterprise Sewing Boutique to produce cotton beach bags that would be gifted to every TravelOnline client arriving in Fiji.

Each cotton bag is machine-stitched with a unique tropical design and includes a welcome card sharing the Koroipita story. The boutique has produced more than 12,000 beach bags, generating sales revenue of over $250,000 and providing fulltime employment to four women in the community.

In recognition of TravelOnline’s contribution to the Koroipita community, the Board of Trustees has named a street in the company’s honour.

The official street naming ceremony took place on Thursday. In attendance were the Trustees of Koroipita Model Town along with other dignitaries, staff, and members of the community.

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