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 under the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, is funded by the World Bank.
During the launch, Mr. Rabuka highlighted that this initiative goes beyond financial investment, backed by a strategic partnership with the World Bank, which has pledged $400 million over the next ten years to aid economic growth in the Northern Division.
“We are dedicated to developing Vanua Levu into a bustling tourism hub that promotes economic advancement, fosters substantial employment, and attracts both domestic and foreign investment,” stated Mr. Rabuka.
He emphasized that tourism remains a crucial sector for the economy, citing recent statistics from the Reserve Bank of Fiji that indicated robust visitor numbers, with nearly 100,000 arrivals in July and over 94,000 in August. These figures underscore Fiji’s strong attraction as a holiday, business, and family reunion destination.
“Boosting tourism in the North is set to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and infuse essential investments into this region,” he noted.
The initiative aims to develop the necessary infrastructure and services to draw more tourists to the Northern Division, ensuring that the benefits of the thriving tourism industry are shared across the region.
Mr. Rabuka pointed out that the programme is designed to generate jobs, enhance local enterprises, and provide new opportunities for families. He mentioned that the poverty rate in the Northern Division stands at approximately 29%, with the most affected residing in rural areas.
“Although the Northern Division has the lowest multidimensional poverty rate in the country at 26%, there remains significant work to ensure all citizens experience an improved quality of life,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, noted that tourist hotspots like Nadi, Denarau, Yasawas, Mamanucas, and the Coral Coast attract around 80% of visitors, while the North only draws about 4%. This contrast reveals the untapped potential of Vanua Levu that the NaVualiku programme seeks to leverage.
He also mentioned that the programme is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents and mobilizing infrastructure development.
Other notable attendees at the launch included the Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka; the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh; the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu; and the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa.
Additionally, Mr. Rabuka is set to inaugurate the NaVualiku project office at JKS Holdings Building in Savusavu on Saturday.
World Bank Group country manager for Fiji, Stefano Mocci, remarked that this marks a novel approach being adopted for the first time in any Pacific nation, indicating the group’s confidence in Fiji’s ability to manage such a complex and ambitious programme.