Community-based tourism is poised for significant growth in the Northern Division with the introduction of the Na Vualiku MSME Grant. Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka highlighted that this initiative aims to bolster micro and small businesses while reinforcing local tourism operators.
The grant is part of a strategic plan to ensure that local communities play a central role in tourism development across Vanua Levu. By adopting a bottom-up approach, the initiative seeks to improve livelihoods and empower local residents.
Gavoka emphasized the importance of executing this program effectively, stating, “For any program like the Na Vualiku tourism initiative, it’s a 10-year plan. The World Bank understands how this must be properly implemented to achieve our goals.”
Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Salaseini Dunabuna, noted that the grant is specifically tailored to enhance community-based tourism in Vanua Levu. “It’s a ten-year program, and we are currently in year two. The hope is that this Community-Based Tourism and MSME grant will uplift communities across Vanua Levu,” she explained.
Additionally, Dunabuna pointed out that the initiative prioritizes women-owned enterprises, recognizing that many such groups may lack access to financial resources and support services.
In a further effort to expand these opportunities, the Ministry of Tourism plans to announce a similar grant program in Taveuni, following successful implementations in Labasa and Savusavu. This ongoing commitment to fostering community involvement in tourism promises to promote economic growth and enhance the overall well-being of the affected areas.
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