The NaVualiku initiative, aimed at enhancing tourism development in Vanua Levu, was officially launched by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu on Friday. This project, undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, is being funded by the World Bank.
During the launch, Rabuka emphasized that this initiative, which includes a significant financial partnership with the World Bank, transcends mere monetary investment. He announced that the World Bank would allocate $400 million over the next ten years to stimulate economic growth in the Northern Division.
Rabuka highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Vanua Levu into a vibrant tourism hub that will encourage economic development, generate meaningful job opportunities, and attract investments from both local and international sources. He pointed out that the tourism sector continues to play a vital role in Fiji’s economy, with the Reserve Bank of Fiji reporting a robust influx of visitors—approximately 100,000 in July and over 94,000 in August.
These figures showcase Fiji’s strong allure as a travel destination for vacationers, business tourists, and individuals visiting family and friends. The Prime Minister noted that boosting tourism in the Northern region would result in job creation, support local enterprises, and channel essential investments into the area.
The NaVualiku initiative aims to establish the necessary infrastructure and services to draw more tourists to the Northern Division, thereby distributing the advantages of a flourishing tourism industry. Rabuka asserted that the program would generate employment, stimulate local businesses, and present fresh opportunities for families in the vicinity.
Despite improvements, he acknowledged that about 29 percent of the Northern Division’s population lives below the poverty line, mostly in rural areas. He pointed out that although the Northern Division boasts the lowest multidimensional poverty rate in the country at 26 percent, there is still significant work to be done to elevate all citizens out of poverty toward an improved quality of life.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka noted that tourist hotspots such as Nadi, Denarau, Yasawas, Mamanucas, and the Coral Coast account for around 80 percent of all visitors, while the North only attracts about four percent. He stated that this contrast reveals the untapped potential of Vanua Levu that the NaVualiku program seeks to exploit.
Gavoka reiterated that the initiative is also dedicated to improving the living standards of residents and enhancing infrastructure. Other dignitaries present at the launch included the Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh, Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, and Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa.
Additionally, Prime Minister Rabuka is set to inaugurate the NaVualiku project office at the JKS Holdings Building in Savusavu on Saturday. Stefano Mocci, the World Bank Group’s country manager for Fiji, remarked that this approach marks a first for any nation in the Pacific, underscoring the World Bank’s confidence in Fiji’s capacity to execute such a complex and ambitious program.