Come and visit our booth, meet the team, and learn more about the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, particularly our MSME Support Program and what it means for tourism MSMEs and community-based tourism operators across Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
Whether you are a small business owner, tourism operator, community representative or simply interested in whatβs happening under Na Vualiku β weβd love to meet you.
Come by, say hello, and have a chat with us today.
Why Targeted Support for MSMEs is the Key to Sustainable Tourism in the North
The true driving force of tourism in Vanua Levu and Taveuni lies in the resourcefulness of our local entrepreneurs: our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the craftship of our womenβs cultural enterprises, and the shared custodianship and stewardship of our community-based tourism (CBT) communities.
These innovators already possess the talent, vision, and cultural heritage that make the Northern Division unforgettable. However, scaling an enterprise comes with distinct structural challenges. Even the most driven business owners encounter hurdles when trying to fund infrastructure upgrades, master complex regulatory compliance, or break into competitive digital marketplaces.
The Na Vualiku Projectβs MSME and CBT Support Program was designed to address these exact gaps; not by changing the core of these businesses, but by providing the resources and expertise they need to scale on their own terms.
MSMEs, womenβs cultural enterprises, and CBT operators across Vanua Levu and Taveuni could apply for targeted training and funding for small-scale infrastructure for selected CBT operators under the Na Vualiku MSME and CBT Support Program.Β It aims to strengthen local tourism businesses, improve visitor experiences, and ensure that tourism growth delivers direct benefits to communities at the grassroots level.
Through the Program, MSMEs, womenβs cultural enterprises, and CBT operators will access capacity-building support covering business registration and regulatory compliance, financial literacy and record-keeping, marketing and digital promotion, tourism quality standards, and business readiness for financing and investment.
Following the official launch of the program in December 2025, by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, local operators across Labasa, Savusavu, and Taveuni responded with immense enthusiasm. This groundswell of local interest culminated in a highly successful application window closing on February 13, 2026.
Strong Demand for MSME Support Program Out of a total of 315 applications received under the MSME and Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Support Program, around 30% were for the Community-Based Tourism Grant component, while about 70% were for the Capacity Building component.
The strong response reflects the deep interest and demand among local businesses, women-led enterprises, and community-based tourism operators who participated in outreach sessions and completed the application process. It also points to a clear need for both community-based tourism support and broader business development assistance to improve products, services, systems, and market readiness. As our teams travel across the North for field visits this month, we are focusing on how the Programβs two core components work together to unlock this local potential:
π οΈ Unleashing Potential: CBT Infrastructure Upgrades Great visitor experiences require functional, sustainable spaces. Through the capital grant component of the MSME and CBT Support Program, selected community-owned enterprises will be supported to upgrade their physical properties. From developing low-impact eco-trails and clear signage to installing renewable energy solutions and modern waste management facilities, such structural enhancements would allow communities to welcome visitors safely while protecting their natural resources.
π Sharpening the Operational Edge: Strategy & Capacity Building In tandem with infrastructure, local business owners are continually refining their management systems. By working one-on-one with specialized Business Development Service (BDS) advisors through our program, selected entrepreneurs would master practical tools for long-term success. Such hands-on mentorship will cover everything from financial record-keeping and strategic pricing to digital promotion and investment readiness.
The Broader Impact: Grassroots Self-Reliance When local businesses are equipped with the right infrastructure and strategic tools, the entire northern tourism model permanently shifts from a top-down industry into a grassroots movement. True sustainability cannot be bought or imported; it is forged by keeping local ownership and local hands at the absolute center of economic growth. As DPM Gavoka emphasized during the initial December roll-out, “Tourism thrives when our communities thrive.”
Responding to the overwhelming demand, the Na Vualiku Project is doing more than just supporting local businesses; we are helping create pathways to anchor economic benefits of tourism directly within the villages, families, and valleys of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Empowering these local creators ensures that the growth of the North remains self-reliant, resilient, and proudly driven by the very people who make the “Friendly North” extraordinary.
πAcross #VanuaLevu and #Taveuni, communities are working hard to grow their community-based tourism products and experiences so that they are locally led, culturally grounded, and connected to real opportunities for families, villages, and MSMEs.
As part of our #MSME and Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Support Programβs screening and assessment process, the Na Vualiku Project team has begun visiting shortlisted applicants under the CBT Grant component.
These visits are helping the team meet the people behind the applications, understand their tourism activities, assess their readiness, and identify the type of support that could help them strengthen infrastructure and services, enhance visitor experiences, build resilience, and create more value for their communities and the wider tourism industry in the North. π€πΏ
Ninety five applications were received under the Na Vualiku CBT Program, showing strong interest from communities wanting to participate more meaningfully in the Northβs tourism growth.
These site visits do not confirm final selection. They form part of the due diligence process to assess eligibility, readiness, the type of support required, and to identify eligible beneficiaries for CBT grant assistance.
Shortlisted applicants have been contacted directly from the Project team.
Through the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, the Na Vualiku Project aims to support #communitybasedtourism operators, #MSMEs, and #womenledenterprises to build stronger businesses, improve livelihoods, and contribute to tourism development that delivers broader benefits for families, communities, and the local economy.
πΈΒ Stay tuned for more updates from the field.Β
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 β 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 Projectβs work to ensure tourism development in Vanua Levu and Taveuni is inclusive, locally driven, and economically empowering for all Fijians.
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: donβt miss the window.
If you are still thinking about it, make TODAY your submission day.
Apply online or download forms (English, Hindi, iTaukei):
Our team was on the ground in Savusavu delivering an awareness session and providing hands-on application assistance for the Na Vualiku MSME & Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Capacity Building and Grant Program.
We met with local MSMEs and CBT operators to:
Explain program eligibility and requirements
Walk through the application process step by step
Answer questions and help applicants complete and submit their forms correctly
These sessions are about making sure businesses and community operators are informed, feel supported and confident to apply.
The application window is still open.
Apply online or download forms (English, Hindi, iTaukei):
At the PA Macuata Office, our Na Vualiku team held an awareness session and provided application support for the MSME & Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Capacity Building and Grant Program. It was a great turnout, with strong participation from local MSMEs and CBT operators.
We worked alongside participants to:
Clarify eligibility and the key documents needed
Walk through each section of the application form
Provide practical, one-on-one guidance to help applicants prepare and submit correctly
Applications are still open.
Apply online or download forms (English, Hindi, iTaukei):
Are you a small business, womenβs cultural enterprise, or Community-Based Tourism (CBT) operator in Vanua Levu or Taveuni?
Donβt 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.
π Need help applying? You can meet with our team in person at an awareness session and fill out the forms there. Donβt miss out!
π For help or questions, call us on 9928657 or 9986503
π Apply online or download forms (available in English, Hindi, and iTaukei): https://lnkd.in/eys_XDT2
Minimum requirement: π Business Registration Certificate β or proof that registration is in progress.
β³ Deadline: 13 February 2026
Pick up and submit forms at any of these locations: Na Vualiku Office, Level 3, JKS Building (Above Jackβs 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
Na Vualiku MSME & CBT Capacity Building and Grant Program | Outreach Visits (5β13 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.
π Paper forms: pick up or drop off at β’ Savusavu Office: Level 3, JKS Building (Main Street) β’ Labasa: Macuata Provincial Council (Labasa Market, Nasekula Road) β’ Bua: Bua Provincial Council (Naulumatua House, Nabouwalu) β’ Taveuni: District Officer (Waiyevo) β’ Taveuni: Assistant Roko Tui (Somosomo Village)
β³ Reminder: Applications close Friday 13 February 2026. π Please share this with anyone who may benefit.
Nasau Village 
Our team delivered an awareness session and provided hands-on application support for the Na Vualiku MSME & CBT Capacity Building and Grant Program.
Confirm eligibility
Final call: donβt miss the window.
Apply online or download forms (English, Hindi, iTaukei):
Need help fast? Call 9928657 or 9986503
Closes 13 February 2026
The application window is still open.
