Terms of Service
Welcome to Fijianhost, your gateway to authentic Fijian homestay accommodations.
By accessing or using our platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These terms govern your relationship with Fijianhost and your use of our digital marketplace for genuine Fijian homestay experiences.
This document contains Terms and Conditions for the use of the fijianhost.com platform.
1. Scope and Application
1.1 These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern the use of the Fijianhost digital platform accessible at www.fijianhost.com ("Platform"), owned and operated by:
Bula Host Pte Ltd Lot 17 Velau Drive, Kinoya, Suva, Republic of Fiji Contact: orisi@fijianhost.com Phone: +679 8639060 (Fijianhost, “Company”, "we," "us," or "our") These Terms supersede any conflicting terms or conditions that users may attempt to impose. Our Terms remain binding even if we do not explicitly reject alternative conditions proposed by users.
2. User Categories and Eligibility
2.1 Platform users must be at least 18 years old and possess full legal capacity to enter into binding agreements.
2.2 The Platform serves two primary user types:
Vulagi (Fijian for Guest or Guests):Individuals or groups seeking to book authentic Fijian homestay experiences through our platform.
Taukei (Fijian for Host or Hosts):Verified Fijian families, communities, or approved individuals who provide homestay accommodations and share their cultural heritage with visitors. All Taukei undergo our authentication process to ensure genuine cultural experiences.
2.3 Users can be both consumers and entrepreneurs. A consumer is any natural person who enters into a legal transaction for purposes that are predominantly neither commercial nor self-employed. An entrepreneur is a natural or legal person or a partnership with legal capacity who, when concluding a legal transaction, acts in the exercise of their commercial or independent professional activity.
3. Account Creation and Verification
3.1 Vulagi Account Setup:
3.1.1 Vulagi must create an account to access booking services. Account approval is at our discretion, and we reserve the right to decline applications without explanation.
3.1.2 Upon receiving your registration information, we review submitted data for accuracy and completeness. Approved applicants receive account activation and access to their personal dashboard.
3.1.3 Account access requires a verified email address and secure password combination for platform entry.
3.2 Taukei Approval Process:
3.2.1 Prospective Taukei must complete our comprehensive verification program before listing accommodations. Account approval is not guaranteed and remains subject to our assessment criteria.
3.2.2 Our verification process includes cultural authenticity assessment, property evaluation, and host interview procedures. This may involve virtual meetings, on-site inspections, and documentation review. Approved candidates receive invitation to complete full registration.
3.2.3 Compliance
All Taukei operating homestay accommodations as a business activity must comply with the following requirements:
(i) Company Registration: Taukei must register their homestay business with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) either as a Sole Trader or Private Company.
Sole Trader or Private Company.
(ii) Tax Registration: Taukei must register with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) for applicable tax obligations, including:
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) registration.
- Income tax registration for business operations.
- Compliance with all relevant tax filing and payment obligations.
(ii) Financial Account Registration: Taukei must have one of the following accounts to be able to receive payments from the Platform:
- Fiji Bank Account registered to the Taukei or his / her business.
- Vodafone MPAISA Account registered personally to the Taukei;
- Digicel MYCASH Account registered personally to the Taukei; or
- Sole Account registered to the Taukei or his / her business.
(iv) Documentation Verification: During the verification process, Taukei must provide evidence of a:
- Valid business registration certificate from ROC.
- FRCS Tin Joint Card or Tin Letter.
- Proof of account for receiving payment.
- Proof of compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements.
(v) Ongoing Compliance: Taukei agree to maintain current registration status with both ROC and FRCS throughout their participation on the Platform. Failure to maintain required registrations may result in account suspension or termination.
registrations may result in account suspension or termination.
(vi) Legal Responsibility: Taukei acknowledge that compliance with Fijian business registration and taxation laws is their sole responsibility. Fijianhost provides this information for guidance but does not provide legal or tax advice.
3.2.4 Following verification approval and compliance with registration requirements, hosts provide required registration data for final review. Upon satisfactory completion, accounts are activated with access to host management tools.
3.2.5 Host account access utilises email and password credentials established during registration.
4. Platform Services and Functionality
4.1 We provide Taukei with tools to showcase their homestay properties, promote cultural experiences, and connect with potential Vulagi seeking authentic Fijian hospitality.
4.2 Fijianhost operates as a marketplace facilitator, not an accommodation provider. Taukei offer services directly to Vulagi under their own responsibility and liability.
4.3 Homestay bookings create direct contractual relationships between Taukei and Vulagi. We are not party to these accommodation agreements, and the terms negotiated between Taukei and Vulagi govern their arrangements.
4.4 Our Platform may include Vulagi feedback systems allowing guests to share experiences and rate homestay services ("Experience Reviews").
5. User Responsibilities and Standards
5.1 Taukei Obligations:
5.1.1 Taukei bear full responsibility for their property listings and guest services. Hosts must provide current, complete, and truthful information about accommodations, cultural or social activities, location details, and availability.
5.1.2 Subject to our guidelines, Taukei may create and publish multimedia content including descriptions, photographs, videos, and cultural information related to their offerings ("Host Materials").
5.1.3 Taukei guarantee the accuracy of all platform information and must promptly update any changes. Hosts commit to delivering exceptional hospitality, maintaining clear guest communication, facilitating smooth transactions, and providing the authentic cultural experiences they advertise.
5.1.4 Properties must meet appropriate hospitality standards including cleanliness, safety, and authenticity. Taukei ensure their facilities provide suitable and safe accommodation for international visitors.
5.1.5 When receiving booking inquiries (detailed in Article 6.3), Taukei must respond within 48 hours confirming availability and acceptance of the reservation ("Booking Confirmation"). This confirmation constitutes agreement to the homestay arrangement.
5.2 Vulagi Responsibilities:
5.2.1 Vulagi must demonstrate respect toward Taukei and their families, honour Fijian traditions and customs, and follow established household guidelines.
5.2.2 Cultural sensitivity is required regarding local traditions, spiritual practices, and community values throughout the homestay experience.
5.2.3 When posting Experience Reviews, Vulagi must provide honest, factual, and respectful feedback that honours Fijian culture and fairly represents their experience.
5.3 Shared User Standards:
5.3.1 All users must comply with Fijian law and refrain from activities that:
(i) Endanger others' health or safety;
(ii) Constitute harassment or inappropriate behaviour;
(iii) Damage others' reputation or dignity;
(iv) Involve discrimination or prejudice;
(v) Violate property rights, privacy, or intellectual property; and
(vi) Show disrespect for Fijian cultural values or practices.
5.3.2 Users are responsible for maintaining account security and ensuring only authorised access to their platform accounts. Any suspected unauthorised access must be immediately reported to Fijianhost.
6. Booking Process and Contractual Arrangements
6.1 Our Platform enables Vulagi to book homestay accommodations with verified Taukei offering such services.
6.2 We charge Vulagi a platform service fee upon successful booking completion, as outlined in Article 6.3.5. This fee compensates for our matchmaking services and may be refunded based on the following policy:
6.2.1 Refund Terms
Refund eligibility for booking modifications or cancellations is determined by the timing of the request relative to the scheduled service date:
(i) 30+ days in advance: Full refund (100% of payment).
(ii) 15-29 days in advance: Partial refund (50% of payment).
(iii) Less than 15 days in advance: No refund available.
6.2.2 Homestay Rental Agreement Terms
By accepting these Terms of Service and completing a booking, both Vulagi and Taukei automatically agree to the following rental arrangement provisions:
(i) The Taukei grants the Vulagi temporary occupancy rights to the designated homestay accommodation for the specified dates and duration.
(ii) The rental arrangement includes:
- Exclusive use of assigned sleeping quarters during the stay period.
- Access to agreed-upon common areas and facilities.
- Participation in any activities associated with booking.
- Fijian meals as outlined in the accommodation offering.
(iii) The Vulagi agrees to:
- Pay the full accommodation fee as agreed between parties.
- Respect the property and maintain it in good condition.
- Follow house rules and cultural protocols established by the Taukei.
- Limit occupancy to the number of persons specified in the booking.
(iv) The Taukei retains the right to:
- Access their property for necessary maintenance or emergencies.
- Establish reasonable house rules consistent with Fijian cultural practices.
- Terminate the arrangement for serious violations of agreed terms.
(v) This rental arrangement is governed by the specific terms negotiated between Vulagi and Taukei, supplemented by these general provisions. The arrangement creates temporary accommodation rights but does not establish tenancy or long-term occupancy interests.
6.3 Reservation and Agreement Process:
6.3.1 To book homestay accommodation, Vulagi select their preferred Taukei, specify desired dates, and proceed by clicking "Proceed to Reservation."
6.3.2 The following page displays "Complete Payment" button. Clicking this button confirms the commitment of a Vulagi to pay our platform service fee (Article 6.2) equal to 20% of the total accommodation cost. The system then processes secure payment and forwards the booking request to the selected Taukei.
6.3.3 We immediately send email acknowledgment of the booking request. This notification does not constitute binding acceptance or confirmation of the homestay arrangement.
6.3.4 Within 48 hours of request submission, we notify the Vulagi whether the Taukei has confirmed the reservation. Upon confirmation, we send email notification containing complete booking details.
6.3.5 Confirmation triggers collection of the 20% platform service fee through the designated payment method.
6.3.6 Final booking confirmation is sent simultaneously to both Vulagi and Taukei, establishing the homestay agreement.
6.3.7 If any Taukei cancel confirmed bookings, we refund the total accommodation cost to the Vulagi within 5 business days. Vulagi-initiated cancellations are subject to Article.
6.4 Homestay agreements exist exclusively between Vulagi and Taukei. Fijianhost is not party to these accommodation contracts.
6.5 Payment arrangements for homestay accommodations are handled directly between Taukei and Vulagi according to their mutual agreements.
6.6 All platform communications and agreements are conducted in English.
7. Permitted Platform Usage
7.1 User access rights are limited to platform functions explicitly provided within these Terms.
7.2 Users are responsible for meeting technical requirements necessary for platform access. We provide no technical support or guidance in this regard.
Unless expressly permitted:
31 Platform content may only be viewed online for personal, non-commercial purposes.
32 Users cannot modify, reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit platform content.
33 Copyright notices, trademarks, and proprietary markings must remain intact
7.4 Any platform activities violating Fijian law, infringing third-party rights, or disrespecting cultural values are strictly prohibited.
7.5 We may monitor user activities within legal limits, including tracking connection data and communications when investigating policy violations.
8. Intellectual Property Rights
8.1 fijianhost.com Content Rights:
8.1.1 Cultural Hosts may publish content on our Platform subject to Articles 5 and 7 requirements.
8.1.2 By publishing content, Cultural Hosts grant Fijianhost non-exclusive, royalty-free rights to:
(i) Store and display content on our servers.
(ii) Process content for platform functionality.
(iii) Use content in marketing and promotional activities.
(iv) Enable content sharing among platform users.
8.2 User Access Rights
8.2.1 We grant users limited, non-exclusive access to platform services for the duration of their account agreement, subject to these Terms.
9. Service Availability
Our Platform operates continuously with target availability of 95% annually, excluding scheduled maintenance periods.
10. Liability and Responsibility
Our Platform operates continuously with target availability of 95% annually, excluding scheduled maintenance periods.
10.1 User Liability:
10.1.1 Users remain liable under applicable law for their platform activities.
10.1.2 Users agree to protect Fijianhost from legitimate third-party claims arising from their Terms violations.
10.2 fijianhost.com Liability:
10.2.1 We accept full liability for damages involving:
(i) Intentional misconduct or gross negligence of legal representatives, employees or other vicarious agents of our company; and
(iii) Product liability situations.
10.2.2 For ordinary negligence, our liability is limited to material contract breaches and foreseeable damages typical for similar agreements.A material contractual obligation is an obligation the fulfillment of which makes the proper performance of the contract possible in the first place and on the fulfillment of which the contractual partner regularly relies and may rely.
11. Privacy Protection
Personal information processing follows applicable data protection regulations. Our Privacy Policy, available on the Platform, provides detailed information about data handling practices.
12. Dispute Resolution
12.1 We provide information about dispute resolution options available under Fijian law.
12.2 Dispute inquiries should be directed to: orisi@fijianhost.com
13. Search and Display Rankings
Homestay listings appear based on relevance algorithms considering availability, Vulagi feedback, cultural authenticity, and factors designed to match Vulagi preferences with appropriate Taukei offerings.
14. Agreement Duration and Termination
14.1 Users may terminate their platform relationship at any time through account deletion.
14.2 We may terminate user agreements with 30 days' advance notice.
14.3 Immediate termination rights for serious breaches remain unaffected.
15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
15.1 These Terms and all related agreements are governed by Fijian law.
15.2 All disputes shall be resolved exclusively in Fiji courts.
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Document Version: 001/25
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Last Revised: 27 May 2025
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Effective From: 2 June 2025