NaVualiku, the Fiji Tourism Development Programme for Vanua Levu, was officially launched by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu. The initiative is a project of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and is financed by the World Bank.
During the launch, Mr. Rabuka emphasized that this initiative represents more than just a financial contribution. He noted that the World Bank is committing $400 million over the next ten years to foster economic development in the Northern Division.
“We aim to transform Vanua Levu into a vibrant tourism hub that encourages economic growth, generates significant employment opportunities, and attracts both domestic and international investments,” Mr. Rabuka stated.
He highlighted that tourism remains a key component of Fiji’s economy, with recent statistics from the Reserve Bank of Fiji showing robust visitor numbers, with nearly 100,000 arrivals in July and over 94,000 in August. These figures affirm Fiji’s popularity as a destination for holidays, business trips, and family visits.
“By enhancing tourism in the North, we will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and attract essential investment to this area,” he said. “The goal of this development initiative is to establish the infrastructure and services necessary to draw more visitors to the Northern Division, allowing the benefits of our flourishing tourism sector to be shared widely.”
Mr. Rabuka added that the programme is expected to create jobs, support local enterprises, and bring new opportunities close to every household. He pointed out that the poverty rate in the Northern Division is approximately 29 percent, with the majority of affected individuals living in rural areas. Although the Northern Division has the lowest multidimensional poverty rate in the country at 26 percent, he acknowledged that further efforts are needed to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
In discussing sustainable tourism for the North, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka noted that regions like Nadi, Denarau, Yasawas, Mamanucas, and the Coral Coast account for about 80 percent of all tourist arrivals, while the North attracts only about four percent. This stark difference illustrates the untapped potential of Vanua Levu that the NaVualiku programme aspires to harness.
He shared that the programme will also focus on improving citizens’ quality of life and advancing infrastructure.
Several ministers attended the launch, including Sakiasi Ditoka, Agni Deo Singh, Ifereimi Vasu, and Maciu Nalumisa. Following the launch, Mr. Rabuka is set to inaugurate the NaVualiku project office at JKS Holdings Building in Savusavu.
World Bank Group country manager for Fiji, Stefano Mocci, remarked that this initiative represents a groundbreaking approach for any single country in the Pacific and demonstrates the organization’s confidence in Fiji’s ability to execute such a complex and ambitious programme.