Nearly half of Fiji’s population now lives in urban areas, a fact highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the launch of the NaVualiku Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu on Friday.
Mr. Rabuka emphasized that rural-urban migration is a global challenge and stressed the necessity of addressing the needs of the people. He posed critical questions about the future of rural areas and the government’s role in supporting citizens both where they reside and in their choices of location.
The NaVualiku Fiji Tourism Development Program aims to foster development in communities. The Prime Minister noted that Fiji’s population is predominantly young, with about half of its citizens under the age of 30, and in the Northern Division, 63 percent are of productive age (15 to 64). This youth demographic represents a significant opportunity to leverage the nation’s natural resources and population for growth.
Mr. Rabuka outlined a vision for a more prosperous and resilient Fiji at the core of this program. His government is dedicated to transforming Vanua Levu into a vibrant tourism hub, aimed at driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and drawing both local and international investments. The government’s comprehensive strategy focuses on uplifting the economy, the people, and securing a better future.