Vanua Levu and Taveuni currently face a set of interconnected barriers that have constrained its tourism development. The Project will help to transform Vanua Levu’s tourism landscape, bringing wide-ranging benefits.
What is the Na Vualiku Project?
The Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku Project) is a flagship, government-led initiative financed by the World Bank to position Vanua Levu as a premier sustainable tourism destination.
Led by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), in collaboration with Fiji Airports and the Fiji Roads Authority, the Project is built on long-term, coordinated investments that will reshape the tourism landscape of the North.
By upgrading critical infrastructure, strengthening local enterprises, and safeguarding Vanua Levu’s cultural heritage and natural assets, the Project will create jobs, empower communities, catalyse private sector growth, and deliver authentic, high-quality experiences for visitors.
What's holding tourism back in Vanua Levu?
✈️Infrastructure & Services:
- Limited air and road connectivity
- Gaps in water, waste, and energy services
🏛️Institutional Coordination:
- Need stronger collaboration and integrated planning among agencies and stakeholders
- Need cross-agency planning group
- Overlapping tourism strategies
💼 Private Sector Investment:
- MSMEs, women-led entrepreneurs and community-based tourism organizations lack access to finance, skills & market access and to business development services
🌊 Environmental Degradation:
- Inadequate waste systems & unmanaged tourism pressure
- Natural assets under threat from climate change
- Limited support for eco-conscious development
🌪️ High Climate Risk:
- Cyclones, floods, and rising seas impact people and tourism
- Infrastructure is vulnerable
- Tourism perception and safety are at stake
What will the Project deliver?
🏗️ Climate Resilience Infrastructure:
- Safer roads, better airports
- Clean energy, reliable water, waste, and ICT
- Disaster-ready planning and emergency services
👩🏽💼 Empowered Local Communities:
- Skills development & finance access
- Women-led and community-based tourism support
- Growth for cultural and nature-based businesses
🌿 Environmental Protection:
- Marine managed areas
- Ecosystem conservation & restoration
- Blue economy approaches that boost tourism value
🤝 Destination-Level Coordination:
- Aligned international and national plans
- Public-private collaboration
- Whole-of-government tourism governance
A resilient and sustainable tourism future for Vanua Levu,
Driven by inclusive growth that benefits everyone, with climate-smart infrastructure and services creating high-quality, eco-friendly visitor experiences and an improved quality of life for all Fijians.
What will success look like?
🏗️ Improved Infrastructure & Liveability:
Upgraded airports, safer roads, enhanced sanitation, and clean energy solutions will serve both tourists and local residents.
💼 Economic Growth & Jobs:
The Project will stimulate private investment, support MSME development, and create new employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
👩🏽💼Empowered Communities:
Community-based tourism initiatives and skills training will increase local participation and ensure that economic benefits stay within Vanua Levu.
🌿 Environmental Protection:
Investments in marine managed areas, waste systems, and conservation will protect biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services, and improve the destination’s appeal to high-value tourists.
🤝 Stronger Climate Resilience:
Climate-smart infrastructure, early warning systems, and resilient tourism planning will reduce risk and improve response to future disasters.