Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka has affirmed the Government’s commitment to the development of Vanua Levu, highlighting its significant potential and distinctive appeal. During the official launch of the Damodar City Labasa Hotel Brand, Gavoka announced that the Government is investing $200 million in the North through the Vanua Levu Tourism Development Programme, with support from the World Bank.
Of this investment, $61.5 million will be allocated to address growth barriers, including issues related to transport, infrastructure, and essential services, as well as to enhance private sector involvement. He underscored the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting developments that align with broader goals, ensuring that achieved growth is sustainable, inclusive, and advantageous for all stakeholders.
Gavoka emphasized that Fiji’s economy heavily relies on tourism within the services sector, indicating the need for significant investment to elevate the current tourism contribution to the economy from three percent.