NaVualiku, the Fiji Tourism Development Programme for Vanua Levu, was officially launched by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu on Friday. This initiative, which is a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and funded by the World Bank, aims to enhance tourism development in the region.
During the launch, Mr. Rabuka emphasized that the initiative represents more than just a financial investment, with the World Bank pledging $400 million over the next ten years to bolster economic growth in the Northern Division. He stated, “We are committed to transforming Vanua Levu into a vibrant tourism hub that promotes economic advancement, generates significant employment opportunities, and appeals to both local and international investors.”
Highlighting the importance of tourism in Fiji’s economy, Mr. Rabuka referenced recent statistics from the Reserve Bank of Fiji indicating strong visitor numbers, with nearly 100,000 arrivals in July and over 94,000 in August. He noted that these figures underscore Fiji’s allure as a preferred destination for holidaymakers, business travellers, and those visiting friends and family.
Mr. Rabuka outlined that enhancing tourism in the North is expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and attract necessary investment to the area. “This development initiative focuses on establishing the infrastructure and services required to draw more visitors to the Northern Division, allowing the local community to benefit from our flourishing tourism industry,” he said.
He acknowledged the existing challenges, noting that the poverty rate in the Northern Division is approximately 29 percent, with a significant number of those affected residing in rural areas. Although the Northern Division has the lowest multidimensional poverty rate in Fiji at 26 percent, Mr. Rabuka insisted that there is still work to be done to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, pointed out that key tourist destinations like Nadi, Denarau, Yasawas, Mamanucas, and the Coral Coast receive around 80 percent of all visitors, while the North only welcomes about four percent. He stressed that this imbalance illustrates the untapped potential of Vanua Levu that the NaVualiku programme seeks to harness.
Mr. Gavoka also mentioned that the initiative aims to improve the quality of life for residents and mobilize infrastructure within the community. Other ministers present at the launch included Sakiasi Ditoka, Agni Deo Singh, Ifereimi Vasu, and Maciu Nalumisa. Prime Minister Rabuka is scheduled to open the NaVualiku project office at the JKS Holdings Building in Savusavu on Saturday.
World Bank Group country manager for Fiji, Stefano Mocci, remarked that this is a novel approach being utilized for the first time in any Pacific nation, signifying the organization’s confidence in Fiji’s capability to carry out such an extensive and ambitious programme.