The Fiji Tourism Development Programme for Vanua Levu, known as NaVualiku, was officially launched by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu on Friday. This initiative, a project of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, is being funded by the World Bank.
Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that this initiative represents more than just a financial investment, supported by a strategic partnership with the World Bank, which has committed $400 million over the next ten years to foster economic growth in the Northern Division.
“We are dedicated to transforming Vanua Levu into a vibrant tourism hub that encourages economic development, creates significant employment opportunities, and attracts both local and international investments,” said Mr. Rabuka. He pointed out that tourism remains a key contributor to the economy, citing recent statistics from the Reserve Bank of Fiji, which revealed that nearly 100,000 visitors arrived in July and over 94,000 in August.
These figures underscore Fiji’s strong allure as a travel destination, not just for leisure seekers but also for business travelers and those visiting friends and family. Rabuka noted that improving tourism in the Northern Division would generate jobs, drive local businesses, and inject crucial investments into the region.
The initiative aims to establish the necessary infrastructure and services to draw more visitors to the Northern Division, ensuring that the benefits of the robust tourism industry are widely shared. Rabuka also highlighted that the program is designed to create jobs, enhance local businesses, and open new opportunities for local families.
With the poverty rate in the Northern Division at approximately 29 percent—primarily among rural populations—Rabuka acknowledged that while the area has the lowest multidimensional poverty rate in the country at 26 percent, there is still much work to be done to improve living standards for all citizens.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka pointed out that popular tourist locations like Nadi, Denarau, Yasawas, Mamanucas, and the Coral Coast attract about 80 percent of visitors, while the North receives only around four percent. This disparity demonstrates the untapped potential of Vanua Levu, which the NaVualiku program aims to explore.
Gavoka added that the program also aims to improve the quality of life for local residents and strengthen infrastructure.
The launch was attended by several ministers, including Sakiasi Ditoka, Agni Deo Singh, Ifereimi Vasu, and Maciu Nalumisa. Prime Minister Rabuka will open the NaVualiku project office at JKS Holdings Building in Savusavu on Saturday.
World Bank Group country manager for Fiji, Stefano Mocci, remarked that this initiative marks a first-of-its-kind approach in the Pacific, reflecting the group’s confidence in Fiji’s ability to implement such a comprehensive and ambitious project.