Press Release: Na Vualiku Project Gains Momentum

Suva Fiji October 9, 2025 — With contracts valued at over FJ$22 million already signed and more major procurements in the pipeline, the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku Project) is gaining momentum towards building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism economy for Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

The World Bank, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), has successfully concluded the fifth implementation support mission for the Program. Held from 28 September to 9 October 2025, the mission brought together government ministries, development partners, provincial councils, community leaders, and the private sector to take stock, share insights and confirm next steps and advance Fiji’s tourism transformation in the North.

Over twelve days, the World Bank mission team engaged in site visits, stakeholder consultations, and technical meetings across Nadi, Labasa, Savusavu and Suva.

Discussions focused on critical infrastructure works, sustainable tourism planning, environmental safeguards, and targeted support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women-led entrepreneurs, and community-based tourism organizations. Field inspections at Labasa and Savusavu airports, the Labasa–Savusavu scenic road, and Waisali Forest Reserve allowed the team to witness first-hand the current status and identify priority areas for further investment.

Key program milestones were highlighted during the mission. Work on the Integrated Tourism Master Plan (ITMP) has commenced with a team of technical specialists engaged via a consortium of Hidria and IOS Partners. This Master Plan will deliver a 25-year phased development framework for the Northern Division, alongside detailed 5-year development plans for key tourism areas including Savusavu and surrounding areas, the Natewa Peninsula and Natewa Bay, Labasa, and Taveuni.

In parallel, a pilot community-based tourism grant scheme is set to launch before the end of the year to support small tourism-related infrastructure in communities to help them improve their tourism products and the economic benefits flowing from tourism to local communities.

Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of the program. Design and supervision contracts for the Labasa and Savusavu airport upgrades have been awarded,

while procurement for a remote tower system and feasibility study of a potential new domestic airport is underway. The Labasa–Savusavu road upgrade has now entered a 12-month design and supervision phase, marking a major step to enhancing visitor access, safety and amenities. Complementary initiatives, including a wastewater and sanitation investment strategy for Savusavu and a feasibility study for solar installations on public buildings, underscore the Project’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable growth.

Capacity-building and data collection initiatives are also moving forward. The upgraded International Visitor Survey (IVS) is in the field, with initial results expected in early 2026, while a Baseline Survey to establish socio-economic benchmarks for the Program will begin shortly.

Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Viliame Gavoka noted: “This mission was about listening, validating, and coordinating with our communities and partners. The work in Vanua Levu must reflect not only the promise of growth, but also the values of inclusion, resilience, and sustainability that define Fiji’s vision for tourism.”

The mission concluded in Suva with wrap-up meetings involving the Ministry of Finance, implementing agencies, and development partners, reaffirming a coordinated pathway forward. With momentum building and major infrastructure investments on the horizon, the Project is accelerating efforts toward delivering lasting economic opportunities, improved connectivity, and enhanced environmental safeguards for Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

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