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.

– Ends –

💧♻️ The Na Vualiku Project and World Bank team, as part of the 5th Implementation Support Mission, met with the Water Authority of Fiji, the Savusavu Town Council, and local partners to finalise the Wastewater and Sanitation Investment Plan and advance discussions on Solid Waste management.

🚿💧🛠️♻️Wastewater and Sanitation
The plan will guide upcoming infrastructure upgrades, identify pilot projects, and improve sanitation services to support Savusavu’s growing population and tourism economy.

🗑️♻️🚛🌿Solid Waste Management
The teams advanced discussions on improving solid waste management. Design works are now underway to enhance waste collection and disposal in Savusavu, Labasa, and Taveuni, helping maintain cleaner towns and protect the environment.

As part of the 5th Implementation Support Mission, teams from the Na Vualiku Project and the World Bank met with the Savusavu Town Council and provincial leaders to discuss key development priorities.

Key topics included:

🔆 Solar Energy for Public Buildings
A feasibility study, set to be awarded by October 2025, will explore renewable energy options to power public infrastructure.

💧 Wastewater & Sanitation Upgrades
Plans are underway to improve systems that protect community health and safeguard the marine environment.

🌿 Cityscaping to Enhance Savusavu’s Identity
Beautification projects aim to strengthen the town’s unique character and livability.

Together, these efforts mark a continued commitment to building a resilient, vibrant Savusavu.

🌿 The Na Vualiku Project and the World Bank team, as part of the 5th Implementation Support Mission, visited the Waisali Forest Reserve on October 2, 2025.

Plans are underway to build a new Visitor Centre and walking trails, creating safer, more enjoyable experiences for tourists while promoting eco-tourism.

This project will be delivered in partnership with the National Trust of Fiji and local communities, ensuring both conservation and economic opportunities for villages nearby.

#SustainableTourism #EcoFiji #VanuaLevu

🚧 The Na Vualiku Project and the WorldBank team, as part of the 5th Implementation Support Mission, joined the Fiji Roads Authority and WAPCOS to review progress on the Labasa–Savusavu road upgrade and coastal protection works.

This  will improve road safety, add scenic stopping points, and make Vanua Levu more accessible for visitors and communities.

The coastal protection measures will also help safeguard the road and nearby villages against climate change impacts such as erosion and flooding.

Significant efforts are underway to transform Savusavu – including installation of CCTV cameras and more foot patrols by Police to improve safety, proper landfill and a centralised sewerage treatment plant and parking meters in the town.

This has been highlighted by Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa during the debate on Consolidated Review Report of the Savusavu Town Council 2014 and 2015 Annual Reports.

He says to strengthen the approach on drug-related issues, the Council has conducted meetings with the Divisional Police Commander Northern and the Officer in Charge of Savusavu Police Station regarding police visibility in town, especially on weekends, and increasing foot patrols in hotspot areas.

Nalumisa says the Council has provided a location for a new police post in town.

The Minister further says that under the Na Vualiku Project, funded by the World Bank, they have identified a proposed site in the Savudrodro area for a proper landfill in Savusavu and a budget of $6.75 million has been allocated.

He says a feasibility study will be conducted by environmental consultants.

Nalimisa also says that a centralised sewerage treatment plant is also part of the Na Vualiku Project and relevant stakeholders and the working group are collaborating to ensure the project is implemented efficiently.

He further says the Ministry has also consented to the redevelopment of Ratu Ganilau Park in partnership with the Fiji Sports Council where terms and conditions have been discussed by both parties.

The Minister says the Council will continue to explore public-private partnerships.

Nalumisa also says that as of 30 June 2025, the Town Council has collected 71.31 percent of the rates that were in arrears, and as part of efforts to boost revenue, 10 digital parking meters have been procured for Savusavu Town, with plans approved but awaiting gazetting.

Continue reading news: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Major-safety-and-infrastructure-upgrades-planned-for-Savusavu—Nalumisa-5fr48x/

The Ministry of Local Government is working closely with the Savusavu Town Council to strengthen the beautification efforts.

Speaking in Parliament, Minister Maciu Nalumisa highlighted that beautification is a key component of the NaVualiku Tourism Program.

He says a full-time officer has been appointed to lead these initiatives.

The project is funded by the World Bank, and the Council is looking for a suitable site for landfill in the Savusavu.

He says $6.75 million has been allocated for solid waste management and the landfill project, spanning from Savusavu to Labasa.

“This initiative is also one of the components of the NaVualiku Tourism Project. Environmental stakeholders and the working group are working closely to ensure that this project is carried out efficiently and effectively.”

Assistant Minister for Transport, Naisa Tuinaceva, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Savusavu town can be a tourism hub.

“Despite the modest population of around 6,000, Savusavu stands as an entry point for Vanua Levu’s tourism. With high-value resorts, it is a hotspot for Fiji’s tourism.”

NaVualiku Tourism Program aims to enhance the infrastructure in Savusavu that will create more jobs by attracting tourists.

The Ministry is also developing a tourism master plan for Savusavu in line with the Blue Town model.

News source: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/beautification-drives-savusavu-growth/

Fiji’s tourism earnings remain uneven, with most benefits limited to a few regions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Hon. Viliame Gavoka says Vanua Levu accounts for less than four percent of visitor-days, despite the country welcoming over one million visitors last year.

The government wants to change this and is targeting $4 billion in tourism earnings and 1.25 million visitor arrivals by 2027.

“Denarau sees 22 percent of arrivals, Coral Coast 21 percent, Nadi – 17 percent, Suva-Tailevu – 13 percent, Mamanuca Islands – 10 percent and Yasawas – 4 percent. However, less visited regions, like Vanua Levu, receive less than four percent of visitor-days. This is where our growth focus is next.”

Gavoka said an integrated tourism master plan for Vanua Levu was in progress and will guide development in the Northern Division.

This year’s funding will support the design phase for key upgrades. In addition, we will launch Na Vualiku pilot MSME programme this calendar year, offering cost-shared business development services, small grants to community-based tourism groups, and targeted support for women, cultural enterprises, and operators to enhance market readiness and resilience.

The Minister adds that a tour of the Lau Group is also planned in the coming months as part of efforts to expand tourism across Fiji.

News source: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-eyes-4-billion-tourism-boom/

Na Vualiku MSME program to boost North tourism this year – Gavoka

Proposed development of airport in Yasawa

MSMEs in the Northern Division are expected to get a boost as the Na Vualiku Pilot MSME program will be launched this calendar year, offering cost-shared business development services, small grants to community-based tourism groups, and targeted support for women, cultural enterprises, and operators to enhance market readiness and resilience.

This has been confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka while supporting the 2025-2026 National Budget.

He says they are unlocking the Northern Division’s tourism potential—and ensuring that its people participate meaningfully in the industry’s growth.

Gavoka says $30 million has been allocated to the Na Vualiku Program, funded in partnership with the World Bank.

The Deputy Prime Minister further says in the first five months of this year alone, Fiji received 350,000 visitors, and we remain on track despite global challenges.

He says the most visited regions in Fiji are Denarau with 22 percent of visitor numbers, followed by the Coral Coast at 21 percent, Nadi at 17 percent, Suva/Tailevu at 13 percent, the Mamanuca Islands at 10 percent, and the Yasawas at 4 percent.

Gavoka further says in line with their commitment to expanding air connectivity to underserved locations within Fiji, the Coalition Government will undertake a feasibility study for the proposed development of a new airport in the Yasawas.

He says they are anticipating its potential to boost tourism, improve access for local communities, and contribute to national development.

He also confirmed that they are developing Fiji’s first-ever Civil Aviation Master Plan and they have begun a comprehensive review of the Civil Aviation Act 1976 which will be completed in the new financial year.

Source: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Na-Vualiku-MSME-program-to-boost-North-tourism-this-year–Gavoka-5rf84x/