A 30-seat catamaran, known as Gosal Cruisers, is set to be launched at the Grand Eastern Hotel in Labasa, marking a significant development for tourism and commerce on Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu. The vessel, valued at $1 million, was transported in a container from China and represents a first for the region.
Charan Jeath Singh, the owner of the Gosal Cruisers and Fiji’s Sugar Minister, expressed his optimism about the new service, stating, “It will create much activity for people on the islands to provide food and cultural items that would generate financial support for their livelihood.” He described the launch as an “early Christmas present” for the residents of Vanua Levu, with services scheduled to begin on December 20, just in time for the holiday season.
The Gosal Cruisers will operate daily, departing from the Grand Eastern Hotel jetty at 9:30 AM for sightseeing and cultural exchanges at various destinations including Kia, Mali, Druadrua, Vorovoro, Savusavu, and other nearby islands. With a cruising speed of around 35 knots and a crew capacity of three, this innovative vessel is poised to enhance local tourism efforts and strengthen community ties through engagement with visitors.
This initiative is a hopeful sign of growth for local businesses and an opportunity for residents to share their culture and traditions with tourists, potentially leading to a revitalization of the area’s economy.
In summary, the introduction of the Gosal Cruisers on Vanua Levu not only enhances the tourism landscape but also promises to uplift the local economy and communities through increased commercial activities.
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