✈️ Our Environment and Social Officers undertook an Environmental and Social (E&S) site inspection at #LabasaAirport to review ongoing resilience works and ensure compliance with project safeguard requirements.

As part of this engagement, the team also delivered training on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) prevention and the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to staff from Flame Tree, BECA, and Fiji Airports.

These sessions reinforced clear reporting pathways, respectful workplace standards, and accountability across all contractors and partners operating on site.

Why this matters: strong safeguards and awareness on the ground help ensure infrastructure upgrades are delivered responsibly, with the safety, dignity, and rights of workers and communities protected throughout implementation.

#NaVualiku #LabasaAirport #Safeguards #SEAH #GRM #ResponsibleDevelopment

Second ITMP Advisory Group Meeting: Advancing the Integrated Tourism Master Plan for Vanua Levu and Taveuni

The second meeting of the Integrated Tourism Master Plan (ITMP) Advisory Group was held this month, bringing together key stakeholders to review progress and provide strategic guidance for the development of the Integrated Tourism Master Plan for Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

🗂️ The Advisory Group plays an important oversight role in the planning process, ensuring that community consultations, technical assessments, and sector priorities are properly reflected as the Plan is developed.

💬 Discussions focused on feedback from recent community engagements, emerging planning directions, and the integration of environmental and social considerations to support responsible, sustainable tourism growth.

🌿 Why this matters: strong governance and informed oversight help ensure the final Plan is practical, locally grounded, and aligned with the long-term interests of Vanua Levu.

#NaVualiku #VanuaLevu #ITMP #TourismPlanning #SustainableDevelopment

Tourism opportunities in Vanua Levu are expanding. The challenge is ensuring growth is carefully planned so communities benefit, risks are managed early, and the region’s cultural and natural assets are protected.

The #NaVualikuProject team met with Divisional Planning Officer Ms Ruci Daveta to align local priorities with long-term tourism planning.

Teams engaged to develop the Integrated Tourism Master Plan were present to listen and accurately capture divisional priorities, including the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment team reinforcing environmental and social safeguards within the planning process. 

This approach ensures the Plan reflects what matters most to communities and stakeholders across Vanua Levu.

#NaVualiku #VanuaLevu #TourismPlanning #SustainableDevelopment

Private sector investment is key to unlocking the full tourism potential of Vanua Levu.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and local officials met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Viliame Gavoka, together with Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific Region, Gallina A. Vincelette, World Bank Vice President for Operations Policy and Country Services, and Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific over a Business Leaders lunch at Nawi Island to discuss how sustainable tourism can drive jobs, investment, and long-term growth in the Northern Division.

Through our 10-year, US$200M Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu #NaVualikuProject will strengthen infrastructure and create an enabling environment that helps crowd in private investment, grow businesses, and expand economic opportunities across Vanua Levu.

NaVualiku #VanuaLevu #PrivateSector #TourismDevelopment

Limited air connectivity has long constrained tourism growth and economic opportunities across Fiji’s Northern Division.

The #NaVualikuProject is helping address this challenge through coordinated investments to strengthen aviation infrastructure and improve access to the North.

At Labasa Airport, critical runway strengthening works are underway from 16 February to 27 March 2026. The upgrade will improve safety and increase the runway’s load-bearing capacity, allowing it to accommodate ATR 72 aircraft once completed. Fiji Airports is working closely with airline partners and transport providers to ensure alternative travel options remain available during the temporary closure.

Further improvements are also being designed for Labasa and Savusavu airports, including a new terminal building for Savusavu Airport. In parallel, installation of a Remote Tower Aerodrome Flight Information System (AFIS) at Labasa Airport will begin early this year, enabling modern remote monitoring and management of air traffic to enhance aviation safety.

Assessments for a potential new domestic airport for Vanua Levu are also expected to begin soon.

Together, these investments are strengthening safety, expanding connectivity, and supporting the long-term growth of tourism and local economic opportunities in the Northern Division.

During their visit to Vanua Levu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Viliame Gavoka, together with Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific Region, Gallina A. Vincelette, World Bank Vice President for Operations Policy and Country Services, and Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, were updated by our implementing partner, Fiji Airports on progress toward these critical aviation investments.

NaVualiku #VanuaLevu #Aviation #TourismDevelopment

Across Vanua Levu, many women entrepreneurs and Community-Based Tourism (CBT) enterprises have the ideas and cultural assets to participate in tourism but often face limited access to skills, networks, and investment.

The #NaVualikuProject is helping close this gap by strengthening MSMEs, CBTs and supporting women-led enterprises so tourism growth translates into real opportunities for local communities.

During their visit to Fiji, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific Region, Gallina A. Vincelette, World Bank Vice President for Operations Policy and Country Services, and Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Viliame Gavoka met with the women of Na I Soqosoqo Vakamarama I Taukei ni Cakaudrove – The Society for Indigenous Women of the Cakaudrove Province to hear directly from those helping shape resilient communities and local enterprise across the province. Representing indigenous women across all districts of Cakaudrove Province, the Soqosoqo Vakamarama Cakaudrove mobilises grassroots leadership and supports women-led initiatives that strengthen communities, culture, and local enterprise.

Supporting MSMEs, community-based tourism enterprises, and women entrepreneurs is a key pillar of the Project’s work to ensure tourism development in Vanua Levu and Taveuni is inclusive, locally driven, and economically empowering for all Fijians.

NaVualiku #VanuaLevu #WomenInTourism #CommunityTourism #TourismThatLiftsEveryoneBenefitsAll

• The Project Accountant, based in Suva, Fiji, shall be responsible for all financial management aspects of the Project.
• The role requires independent professional judgement and the ability to deliver fiduciary outputs.
• Read the Terms of Reference (TOR): http://bit.ly/4cQmi3i
  Scan the QR code or email [email protected] to request further information.

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

🔗 Read IMPACT Newsletter Here or Download Here

Works have commenced on runway pavement strengthening at Labasa Airport, with a temporary closure in effect from today until 27 March 2026. 🚧✈️

✅ Why this matters:
These works are essential safety upgrades designed to strengthen the runway structure, support long-term operational performance, and ensure continued compliance with international aviation safety standards. This investment helps protect reliable air connectivity for the Northern Division well into the future.

🌴 Keeping Vanua Levu connected:
To minimise disruption during the closure period, more than 40 additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport have been arranged in close collaboration with airline partners and key stakeholders.

🗣️ Have feedback or concerns?
We are committed to transparency and accountability. Any grievances, questions, or feedback related to the works can be formally submitted through the official Grievance Redress and Feedback Portal:
🔗 https://navualiku.com/grievance-redress-feedback-portal/

Thank you for your patience as these important works are delivered to improve safety, reliability, and resilience for our communities.

Nasau Village Mataqali Verevere | Nabouwalu Village |Dalomo Village | Votua Villag

#Bua showed up. Our team delivered an awareness session and provided hands-on application support for the Na Vualiku MSME & CBT Capacity Building and Grant Program.

We supported participants to:

Confirm eligibility

Work through each section of the application form

Get practical, one-on-one guidance to submit correctly

Final call: don’t miss the window.

If you are still thinking about it, make TODAY your submission day.

Apply online or download forms (English, Hindi, iTaukei):

navualiku.com/msme-cbt-program

Need help fast? Call 9928657 or 9986503

Closes 13 February 2026

Bring your documents, bring your questions, and let’s get your application across the line.