𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐔𝐍𝐈: 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠?

Are you a small business, women’s cultural enterprise, or Community-Based Tourism (CBT) operator in Vanua Levu or Taveuni?

Don’t miss your chance to strengthen your tourism business through the Na Vualiku MSME and CBT Capacity Building Program. You will get practical training and one-on-one support to help your business grow and sustain.

📝 Need help applying?
You can meet with our team in person at an awareness session and fill out the forms there. Don’t miss out!

📞 For help or questions, call us on 9928657 or 9986503

🔗 Apply online or download forms (available in English, Hindi, and iTaukei):
https://lnkd.in/eys_XDT2

Minimum requirement:
📄 Business Registration Certificate – or proof that registration is in progress.

⏳ Deadline: 13 February 2026

Pick up and submit forms at any of these locations:
Na Vualiku Office, Level 3, JKS Building (Above Jack’s Fiji), Main Street, Savusavu
Macuata Provincial Council, Labasa Market, Nasekula Road
Bua Provincial Council, Naulumatua House, Nabouwalu
District Officer Taveuni, District Office Complex, Waiyevo
Assistant Roko Tui, Somosomo Village, Taveuni

Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | WhatsApp Channel | Viber Channel 

Na Vualiku MSME & CBT Capacity Building and Grant Program | Outreach Visits (5–13 Feb 2026)

Need help applying? The Na Vualiku team is visiting communities to help you complete your application correctly, understand eligibility, and submit on time.

✅ TAVEUNI STARTS TOMORROW
📍 5–7 Feb: Taveuni (starting 4:00pm at Somosomo Village)
📍 9 Feb: Savusavu
📍 10 Feb: Labasa
📍 11 Feb: Bua
📍 12–13 Feb: Savusavu

☎️ Need help with forms or steps? Call: 9928657 or 9986503

📌 Apply online or download/print forms (English, iTaukei, Hindi):
https://navualiku.com/msme-cbt-program/

🗂 Paper forms: pick up or drop off at
• Savusavu Office: Level 3, JKS Building (Main Street)
• Labasa: Macuata Provincial Council (Labasa Market, Nasekula Road)
• Bua: Bua Provincial Council (Naulumatua House, Nabouwalu)
• Taveuni: District Officer (Waiyevo)
• Taveuni: Assistant Roko Tui (Somosomo Village)

⏳ Reminder: Applications close Friday 13 February 2026.
🙏 Please share this with anyone who may benefit.

A new feasibility study to help reduce electricity costs, increase the use of clean energy, and improve community services across Labasa and Savusavu.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), through the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku Project), has commenced a feasibility study to assess solar power options for  key municipal buildings in Labasa and Savusavu in Vanua Levu. 

The study responds to ongoing challenges in the North, including where municipal councils face high energy costs to power public infrastructure such as markets, bus stands, and parks, vulnerability to supply disruptions due to reliance on diesel-based electricity generation and exposure to climate related hazards. 

Elemental Power and Renewables, a consulting group based in New Zealand, which has been engaged to carry out the feasibility study, is in Vanua Levu already assessing whether solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can be installed safely and effectively at selected sites.

The team began its first on-the-ground stakeholder meetings in Suva with key organisations including Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), and the Department of Environment. These discussions support early alignment on technical requirements, regulatory considerations, and safe grid integration options.

The feasibility study will provide the technical and financial information needed to guide next steps for solar PV installations in Labasa and Savusavu.

When public buildings and facilities pay high power bills, it reduces the resources available for other essential services. Solar power can help lower operating costs over time, which may allow facilities to reinvest in improvements that benefit the public.

This feasibility study also supports Fiji’s shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy. That means less reliance on traditional energy sources and more long-term resilience for public infrastructure, especially as communities face rising costs and changing climate conditions.

In Vanua Levu, the team is carrying out technical site inspections and collecting detailed data on power use as well as weather patterns. The team will also be considering the structural integrity of the structures to accommodate solar panels. The feasibility study will investigate and identify possible options for solar PV installation for Savusavu and Labasa Municipality areas.

The study will also include environmental and social risk screening, financial and economic analysis, and the preparation of procurement-ready documents to support the next steps. Stakeholder engagement and capacity building will form a critical part of the assignment.

The Na Vualiku Project is a government-led initiative designed to unlock the sustainable tourism potential of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. The Project is funded through a loan from the World Bank and is implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation as the lead agency, in collaboration with Fiji Airports and Fiji Roads Authority.

Labasa Airport will be temporarily closed from February 16 to March 27, 2026, to allow for critical runway strengthening works, Fiji Airports has confirmed.

Fiji Airports said the closure was necessary to ensure long-term safety, structural integrity and continued compliance with international aviation standards.

To minimise disruption to travellers and businesses in the Northern Division, alternative travel arrangements have been put in place in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Fiji Airways’ domestic arm, Fiji Link, will operate 44 additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport during the closure period.

Northern Air will also operate two daily flights on the Savusavu route.

Fiji Airports said normal bus services would continue to operate, while passengers with direct hotel bookings in the Northern Division would be provided with minibus pick-up schedules.

Further details, including timetables and route information, will be shared through official channels and social media platforms.

Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said the decision to temporarily close Labasa Airport was not taken lightly.

“These runway upgrades are vital to addressing structural issues and ensuring ongoing compliance with international aviation safety standards,” Mr Nawari said.

“We remain committed to maintaining air connectivity for Vanua Levu during this period and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we carry out these essential works.”

The upgrades are being funded through the Fiji Tourism Development Programme in Vanua Levu, also known as the Na Vualiku Project, with support from the World Bank.

Fiji Airports said the works formed part of its long-term infrastructure improvement programme and aligned with its vision of becoming a world-class aviation hub in the Blue Pacific.

“This is an investment in the future of the Northern Division,” Mr Nawari said.

“Carrying out these works will help mitigate unplanned disruptions in the future.”

Fiji Airports reiterated its commitment to the continued development and enhancement of the national airport network to support Fiji’s economic growth and regional connectivity.

News Source: https://fijisun.com.fj/news/nation/consult-gcc-on-referendums-says-advocacy-group

Labasa Airport will be temporarily closed from February 16 to March 27, 2026, to allow for critical runway strengthening works, Fiji Airports has confirmed.

Fiji Airports said the closure was necessary to ensure long-term safety, structural integrity and continued compliance with international aviation standards.

To minimise disruption to travellers and businesses in the Northern Division, alternative travel arrangements have been put in place in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Fiji Airways’ domestic arm, Fiji Link, will operate 44 additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport during the closure period.

Northern Air will also operate two daily flights on the Savusavu route.

Fiji Airports said normal bus services would continue to operate, while passengers with direct hotel bookings in the Northern Division would be provided with minibus pick-up schedules.

Further details, including timetables and route information, will be shared through official channels and social media platforms.

Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said the decision to temporarily close Labasa Airport was not taken lightly.

“These runway upgrades are vital to addressing structural issues and ensuring ongoing compliance with international aviation safety standards,” Mr Nawari said.

“We remain committed to maintaining air connectivity for Vanua Levu during this period and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we carry out these essential works.”

The upgrades are being funded through the Fiji Tourism Development Programme in Vanua Levu, also known as the Na Vualiku Project, with support from the World Bank.

Fiji Airports said the works formed part of its long-term infrastructure improvement programme and aligned with its vision of becoming a world-class aviation hub in the Blue Pacific.

“This is an investment in the future of the Northern Division,” Mr Nawari said.

“Carrying out these works will help mitigate unplanned disruptions in the future.”

Fiji Airports reiterated its commitment to the continued development and enhancement of the national airport network to support Fiji’s economic growth and regional connectivity.

News Source: https://fijisun.com.fj/news/nation/consult-gcc-on-referendums-says-advocacy-group

Launched last month by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, the Na Vualiku MSME & Community-Based Tourism Capacity Building and Grant Funding Program is designed to strengthen tourism MSMEs, women’s cultural enterprises, and community-based tourism operators in Vanua Levu and Taveuni, with a focus on delivering tangible benefits to local communities.

The Program will provide targeted training and hands-on support in business compliance, financial literacy and record-keeping, marketing and digital promotion, product quality and tourism standards, and finance readiness.

Eligible, community-owned CBTs will also be supported through grant funding for small-scale tourism infrastructure and product improvements that enhance visitor experiences while meeting safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Applications are currently open!
🔗 https://navualiku.com/msme-cbt-program/

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, through the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku Project), invites organisations with relevant experience and expertise to express their interest in serving as the Business Development Services (BDS) Provider for MSMEs, Women-Led Enterprises, and Community-Based Tourism (CBT) operators.

The World Bank-financed initiative supports enterprise development and capacity building to ensure tourism growth in Vanua Levu and Taveuni is sustainable, inclusive, and delivers tangible benefits to local communities.

Submission deadline: 20 January 2026

Terms of Reference (TOR): https://bit.ly/48Be8cG

Submit EOI (prescribed form): https://lnkd.in/e69VWwD3

Enquiries: [email protected]

This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to sustainable tourism development and enterprise growth in the North!

Visit our Work with Us page for list of all EOIs.

Read our December newsletter, IMPACT, which highlights recent milestones, community stories, and program updates from the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku Project).

🔗 IMPACT Newsletter:
https://navualiku.my.canva.site/copy-of-na-vualiku-newsletter-impact

Suva, 25 November 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation supports Fiji Airports’ decision to undertake critical runway strengthening works at Labasa Airport from 16 February to 27 March 2026. This upgrade is a key safety initiative that will protect passengers and airline crew and ensure safe and reliable aircraft operations across the Northern Division. 

Comprehensive technical assessments confirm that the current condition of the runway no longer meets safety operating standards for the ATR 72 aircraft. The works will address structural fatigue, prevent further deterioration, and ensure full compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements. This will extend the runway’s lifespan and support reliable air services. 

Funded through a World Bank loan under the Na Vualiku Project, this upgrade is part of broader efforts to improve transport access for Vanua Levu and strengthen long-term connectivity. 

The Ministry acknowledges the temporary impacts on residents, businesses, medical travel, and the tourism sector. Consultations in Labasa and Savusavu have highlighted concerns about hotel occupancy and freight delays. Fiji Airports is working with authorities and relevant stakeholders on mitigation measures which will be shared accordingly.

The Ministry commends Fiji Airports for providing early notice and welcomes its commitment to a comprehensive public information campaign. These will include radio, print, social media, and regular updates on the Fiji Airports and Na Vualiku Project websites, helping travellers and businesses to plan ahead. 

This upgrade represents a short-term disruption that will deliver long-term benefits for aviation safety, reliability, and economic resilience in Vanua Levu.  

The Coalition Government remains committed to improving air connectivity, supporting the Northern economy, and enhancing the resilience of Fiji’s aviation infrastructure. 

For further information, the public is encouraged to follow updates from Fiji Airports.  

ENDS 

Source: https://mtca.gov.fj/press-release-labasa-airport-runway-upgrade-to-strengthen-aviation-safety-and-reliability/