NaVualiku, a tourism development initiative for Vanua Levu in Fiji, was officially launched by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu. This project, implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, is being financed by the World Bank.
Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that this collaboration with the World Bank is a significant investment, stating that the bank is pledging $400 million over the next decade to promote economic growth in the Northern Division.
He expressed a commitment to transforming Vanua Levu into a vibrant tourism destination that stimulates economic development, creates job opportunities, and attracts both domestic and foreign investments. Rabuka noted that tourism remains a critical component of Fiji’s economy, citing recent data from the Reserve Bank of Fiji which reported nearly 100,000 visitor arrivals in July and over 94,000 in August.
These statistics demonstrate Fiji’s strong appeal as a favored destination for travelers, whether for leisure, business, or visiting family and friends. Rabuka pointed out that boosting tourism in the Northern Division will create jobs, support local businesses, and bring essential investments to the region.
He added that the initiative aims to establish the necessary infrastructure and services to draw more visitors to the Northern Division, ensuring that the benefits of Fiji’s flourishing tourism sector are widely shared. The programme seeks to create job opportunities, invigorate local enterprises, and provide new chances for families in the area.
Rabuka acknowledged that the poverty rate in the Northern Division is approximately 29 percent, predominantly affecting those in rural areas. He noted that despite having the lowest multidimensional poverty rate in the country at 26 percent, there is still plenty of work to do to uplift all citizens toward improved living standards.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, remarked that popular tourist destinations like Nadi, Denarau, Yasawas, Mamanucas, and the Coral Coast account for around 80 percent of all visitor traffic, while the North only attracts about four percent. This highlights the untapped potential of Vanua Levu that the NaVualiku initiative seeks to unlock.
Gavoka also pointed out that the programme is designed to elevate the quality of life for local residents while enhancing infrastructure. Several government ministers attended the launch, including Sakiasi Ditoka from Rural and Maritime Development, Agni Deo Singh from Employment and Productivity, Ifereimi Vasu from iTaukei Affairs, and Maciu Nalumisa from Housing and Local Government.
Mr. Rabuka is set to open the NaVualiku project office at JKS Holdings Building in Savusavu. World Bank Group country manager for Fiji, Stefano Mocci, indicated that this represents a groundbreaking approach within the Pacific region, demonstrating the World Bank’s confidence in Fiji’s ability to execute such a complex and ambitious programme.