BY JOY OFASIA
At just 28 years old, Zuma Teahemano Lilivae is helping shape the future of tourism in Marovo Lagoon, Western Province of the Solomon Islands through her work at Seghe Accommodation.
As the Operations Manager and host, Lilivae is managing a family business while creating opportunities for young people and local communities in Seghe. She is also helping visitors discover the natural beauty, culture and traditions of one of Solomon Islands’ special destinations.
Lilivae has family connections to West, Rennell and Malaita provinces. Her father is originally from Marovo Lagoon in Western Province.
Seghe Accommodation stands on family land in Seghe. The land was passed from her grandfather to her father and then to the children.
The building was completed in 2019 and first served as the family home. In 2022, it became a guest house for Downer employees working at the Seghe sub-station. After the workers left and Lilivae returned from the United States, the property officially became a tourism business in 2024.
For Lilivae, choosing to build the business in Seghe instead of Honiara was an easy decision.
“The potential and opportunity at home is what inspired me to start here,” she said.
She believes Marovo has everything needed to build a strong and sustainable tourism industry, including its natural environment, local people and communities.
“I am inspired because Marovo is capable of a successful sustainable tourism system,” Lilivae said.
She believes communities can learn about tourism, care for their resources and work together to overcome the challenges that come with developing the industry.
Running a tourism business in a remote island community has not always been easy. However, Lilivae describes the experience as exciting and says she has learned to accept island life and turn challenges into opportunities.
She also wants visitors to look beyond the idea that remote locations are difficult to reach.
“Let us acknowledge these remote areas for what they are: quiet, fresh, different, relaxing, scenic, rich in culture and traditions,” she said.
One of the main strengths of Seghe Accommodation is its close connection with the surrounding communities.
Local people are involved in providing services to visitors, creating opportunities for young people, women, boat operators and tour guides.
Visitors can also explore the famous Seghe market on Tuesdays. The market gives tourists an opportunity to meet local people and buy locally produced goods.
Lilivae says supporting the community will remain an important part of the business.
“Seghe Accommodation will continue to prioritize our community and youths today, tomorrow and always,” she said.
She believes tourism can become an important tool for community development when local people receive the right exposure, education and encouragement.
For Lilivae, culture is also a key part of the tourism experience.
“The local culture is the heart of the experience for us,” she said.
She has seen how conversations and interactions between visitors and local people can become some of the most memorable parts of a tourist’s visit.
Like any business owner, Lilivae faces periods when business is slow and challenges appear. During those times, she turns to planning, reflection and faith.
She journals, creates plans and vision boards, and spends time reading scripture. Instead of seeing difficult periods as a reason to stop, she uses them as a chance to improve the business and strengthen her goals.
Looking ahead, Lilivae wants tourism in Western Province to continue growing through stronger community involvement and outreach.
Her hope is that tourism development will benefit not only businesses and visitors, but also the communities around them, especially young people.
For Lilivae, Seghe Accommodation is much more than a place for visitors to stay.
It is an investment in her family, culture, community and the future of Marovo Lagoon.
Her journey shows how young Solomon Islanders can use their skills, passion and connection to their home communities to create new opportunities outside Honiara.
Through Seghe Accommodation, Lilivae is showing that the future of tourism can be built not only in the country’s capital, but also in the remote communities where natural beauty, culture and people come together.
