The Fiji Tourism Development Programme in Vanua Levu, known as NaVualiku, has officially opened an office in Savusavu Town. The launch took place last Saturday at the JKS Building and was officiated by Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, as the programme is under his ministry’s purview.
Minister Gavoka highlighted that the new office represents more than just a facility; it signifies a commitment to making a tangible impact on the local community. “This initiative aims not only to attract more tourists to Vanua Levu but also to enhance the lives of its residents,” he stated. He emphasized that the office will play a crucial role in ensuring that the benefits of the NaVualiku programme are distributed to every community within the region.
This multi-phase project is backed by a substantial US$200 million financing package from the World Bank, as noted by Stefano Mocci, the World Bank Group country manager for Fiji. The implementation will unfold in three phases over the next decade, adopting a programmatic approach.
Mocci expressed the World Bank’s commitment to assisting the Fijian government in transforming Vanua Levu into a vibrant tourism hub that will generate jobs, particularly for women and youth, attract investments, and stimulate economic development to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants. He added that in addition to funding, the World Bank will contribute its global and regional expertise to support the project’s implementation.
“This office is a vital part of our efforts moving forward, aimed at accelerating progress on the ground and fostering better coordination, collaboration, and partnerships in the North,” Mocci concluded, emphasizing their role in advancing Fiji’s development priorities under the ‘Look North’ policy to strengthen the tourism sector in Vanua Levu.