President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has reaffirmed his strong endorsement for the Fiji Tourism Development Program, known as the Na Vualiku initiative, during a courtesy visit with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, along with key stakeholders involved in the project. The discussion took place at State House, where the delegation briefed the President on the significant World Bank-funded project aimed at promoting sustainable tourism development in Vanua Levu.
The delegation included prominent figures such as Hasmukh Patel, Chair of Fiji Airports Limited, Marlon Lezama, Project Manager of Na Vualiku, and Jacinta Lal, Director of Tourism, among other officials. The Na Vualiku initiative seeks to enhance vital infrastructure and essential services, drive private sector participation, and ensure the environmental sustainability of tourism resources.
Notably, the initiative is set to generate increased economic opportunities for women in tourism and promotes nature-based tourism, emphasizing investments in waste and sewage management critical to maintaining the region’s natural beauty. President Lalabalavu recognized the importance of collaborative efforts for the successful execution of this ambitious program and expressed his commitment to its goals.
This initiative comes on the heels of previous announcements regarding the substantial financial backing from the World Bank, which has pledged $400 million over the next decade to stimulate economic growth in the Northern Division. As previously highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, this is more than just a financial investment; it reflects a wider strategic partnership aimed at transforming Vanua Levu into a vibrant tourism hub. This transformation is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and attract investment, ultimately improving the standard of living for the local population.
As the tourism sector is pivotal to Fiji’s economy, the government’s focus on boosting tourism in the Northern Division emphasizes the untapped potential of the region. By leveraging these opportunities, the Na Vualiku program could result in a brighter future for Vanua Levu and its communities through sustained development and economic empowerment.
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