Vanua Levu, home to the vibrant towns of Savusavu and Labasa, has long been one of Fiji’s best-kept secrets. With emerald peaks, vibrant coral reefs, and a deeply rooted cultural heritage, the island offers an experience unlike anywhere else in the country. Yet despite its natural beauty, Vanua Levu has remained just out of reach for many, held back by limited and costly flight options.

Unlike Viti Levu, Fiji’s main tourism and business hub, Vanua Levu has faced challenges with infrastructure and transport links.

For travellers and locals alike, getting to and from the island has often been a challenge, slowing tourism growth, deterring investment, and limiting opportunities for communities across the north.

That is starting to change.

Thanks to the World Bank-financed Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku Project) with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation as the lead implementing agency, a new chapter is taking flight.

Recently, the Na Vualiku team together with Airports Fiji representatives, travelled to Savusavu and Labasa to engage with local stakeholders and share updates on upcoming activities to transform Vanua Levu’s air and road connectivity landscape.

In Labasa, a range of upgrades is planned to complement the new terminal building and perimeter fencing being installed by Fiji Airports. These include runway improvements, a study into a potential runway extension, a new integrated fire station and car park, an enhanced access road, better drainage and stronger embankments.

Labasa Airport will also see the installation of a Remote Tower Aerodrome Flight Information System (AFIS), a state-of-the-art, camera-based air traffic system digitally connected to Fiji Airport’s Nadi control centre. 

In Savusavu, a brand-new terminal and car park is being designed to reflect Vanua Levu’s distinct identity and sense of place.

Supporting infrastructure upgrades include improving the runway pavement, construction of a new integrated fire station, reinforce seawalls, and improve stormwater drainage. 

In Taveuni, a study will inform future development, including a master plan to explore the possibility of servicing larger aircraft (50–72 seat turboprops) and determine the timeline for future capital investments.

At the heart of this transformation is the proposed development of a new domestic airport for Vanua Levu.

Following consultation and a detailed pre-feasibility study, four sites, one in Nasarawaqa and three closer to Savusavu, have been shortlisted from an initial pool of 19 locations for a detailed feasibility study.

These sites offer strong potential to host either a 1,200-metre domestic runway on 70 hectares, or a 3,000-metre runway on 240 hectares that would allow potential to service larger aircrafts in the future. The study is expected to finish by April 2026, with a recommended site to be presented to the Government of Fiji.

Recognising that connectivity doesn’t end at the runway, the Project will also improve the critical cross-island road linking Labasa and Savusavu via Seaqaqa. 

Road safety, travel time, and reliability will be enhanced, supported by a climate-informed accident database to guide ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

This is more than just infrastructure.

It’s a transformation, one that could unlock Vanua Levu’s full potential and usher in a new era of prosperity for Fiji’s northern region.

Now, the wheels are starting to turn and the runway is clear for take-off.

The Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the World Bank, has allocated $30 million to fund the “Na Vualiku Project.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, stated in Parliament recently.

He says that this is in line with a core theme of the national budget, the Project places strong emphasis on infrastructure as a driver of sustainable growth.

Gavoka adds the plan to launch a “Na Vualiku” Pilot MSME program, set to offer cost-shared business development services.

It will also provide small grants to community-based tourism groups, and targeted support for women, cultural enterprises, and operators to enhance market readiness and resilience.

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

Source: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/30m-for-na-vualiku-project/

Investment Fiji is looking beyond traditional markets and tapping into exciting new demand from Asia, North and Central America even South America, says board chairperson Jenny Seeto.

Speaking at the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) Pacific Islands event in Nadi this week, Ms Seeto said Investment Fiji aimed to create an inclusive tourism industry that uplifts communities, protects the environment and leaves a lasting impact.

“We are on a digital transformation trajectory, the National Digital Strategy goals and the landing of the Google Bulikula and Tabua subsea cables are both crucial in positioning Fiji to be a regional digital hub in addition to Fiji being the hub of the Pacific,” Ms Seeto said.

She said Investment Fiji was guided by a 10-year framework designed to revitalise and future-proof our industry, with sustainability, resilience and inclusivity as our foundation pillars.

“Every investment, every project and every policy has to consider our people, our planet and the future of travel.

“We’re especially excited about the Na Vualiku Project in the North, with the support of the World Bank, a major $US200 million (approx $F448m) investment is being channeled into infrastructure development in our Northern region.”

Ms Seeto said that included roads, reliable power, water systems, waste management and better airport access.

“In the context of tourism, Investment Fiji focuses on promoting various types of tourism to attract foreign investment and create opportunities for economic growth which includes sports tourism, medical tourism and adventure tourism.

“The Government is offering attractive incentive tax packages for tourism related industries and other sectors of the economy.”

Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 28, 2025

Source: https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/inclusive-tourism-investment-promotion-agency-looks-beyond-traditional-markets/

President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has expressed his full support and confirmed his willingness to do his part in the implementation of the Vualiku project that will commence soon in Vanua Levu.

The President welcomed a courtesy visit from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, and his delegation, acknowledging the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable tourism and economic development in the region.

They say their purpose of the visit was to brief the Head of State on the implementation of the World Bank-funded Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, known as the ‘Na Vualiku’.

The Na Vualiku Project aims to strengthen targeted infrastructure and essential services, enhance coordination and encourage private sector participation in tourism and improve the environmental sustainability of tourism assets.

News source: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/President-Ratu-Naiqama-commits-to-advancing-sustainable-tourism-in-the-North-r4fx85/

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has backed a major World Bank-funded initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism development in Vanua Levu.

The President was briefed on the Na Vualiku Project during a courtesy call from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka at State House yesterday.

The Na Vualiku Project aims to improve infrastructure, boost private sector engagement, and promote environmental sustainability across targeted tourism sites in the Northern Division.

The project aims to strengthen infrastructure and essential services, improve environmental sustainability, and promote private sector engagement in the tourism sector.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is leading implementation, with support from the Fiji Roads Authority, Fiji Airports Limited, and the Savusavu Town Council.

Key investments include resilient infrastructure, nature-based attractions, and improved waste and sewage systems.

The initiative also seeks to empower Fijian women in the tourism industry.

The President also welcomed the update and reaffirmed his full support for the project.

News source: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/president-backs-tourism-project-in-vanua-levu/

The President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, today received a courtesy call from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Honourable Viliame Gavoka, at State House.

The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by the Fiji Airports Limited Board Chair, Mr. Hasmukh Patel; Na Vualiku Project Manager, Mr. Marlon Lezama; Director for Tourism, Ms. Jacinta Lal; and Kelepi Dainaki, General Manager Assets & Infrastructure (Fiji Airports) and Tevita Cokanasiga Roko Tui Saravanua.

The purpose of the visit was to brief the Head of State on the implementation of the World Bank funded Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, known as ‘Na Vualiku’ (the Project).

The Na Vualiku Project aims to:

· Strengthen targeted infrastructure and essential services,

· Enhance coordination and encourage private sector participation in tourism and

· Improve the environmental sustainability of tourism assets.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA) is the lead implementing agency, with support from the Fiji Roads Authority, Fiji Airports Limited, and the Savusavu Town Council.

This initiative supports sustainable tourism development and is expected to yield significant environmental benefits through investments in resilient tourism infrastructure, nature-based tourism attractions, and critical facilities and services, such as waste and sewage management. The Project also seeks to harness the untapped productive potential of Fijian women in the tourism sector.

President Lalabalavu thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation for the visit and acknowledged the importance of such collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable tourism and economic development in Vanua Levu. He expressed his full support and confirmed his willingness to do his part in the implementation of the project.

Significant progress is underway through the ‘Na Vualiku’ Fiji Tourism Development Programme, aimed at transforming Vanua Levu into a thriving tourism hub.

Starting next month, an Integrated Tourism Master Plan will guide this development by identifying priority areas, outlining funding strategies, and including environmental and social safeguards.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka says a proposal will be made this month with the National Trust, local communities, and the private sector to build a visitor centre and create business plans.

He adds that under the program, a contract will be awarded next month for the design and supervision of pavements, fencing, a new terminal at Savusavu, and new fire stations at both airports.

“We’re in the process of procuring remote travel and automatic flight information systems for Labasa and Savusavu airports. Looking to future growth, an expression of interest has been issued for a feasibility study for a new airport in Vanua Levu, alongside an air connectivity study for Taveuni and master planning for Labasa and Matei airports.”

Gavoka announced that the ‘Na Vualiku’ program will launch an MSME pilot program in October to support small, community, and women-owned tourism businesses.

Additionally, an updated International Visitor Survey will begin this month to improve data collection and visitor feedback for businesses and the government.

Source: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/vanua-levu-to-become-tourism-hub/

Savusavu, Fiji – April 16, 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the World Bank Mission Team, has successfully completed its fourth implementation support mission for the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku). This milestone underscores the ongoing commitment to advancing infrastructure and sustainable tourism growth in the region.

Over the course of seven days, senior representatives from key implementing agencies and technical partners—including the Fiji Roads Authority, Fiji Airports, the Commissioner Northern Office, municipal leaders from Labasa and Savusavu Town Councils, and various government and non-government stakeholders—engaged in strategic discussions. The mission focused on reviewing progress, enhancing operational frameworks to accelerate implementation, and aligning on actionable next steps.

Key Focus Areas of the Mission:

1. Environmental Sustainability – Progress on the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments (SESA) and planned upgrades to the Waisali Forest Reserve.
2. Critical Infrastructure Development – Proposed enhancements to Savusavu and Labasa Airports, along with the Labasa-Savusavu Cross-Island Road.
3. Urban Service Improvements – Initiatives in solid and water waste management systems, as well as solar energy installations on public buildings in Labasa and Savusavu.

Ministerial Remarks

The Honorable Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, stated: “This program exemplifies our government’s dedication to equitable and sustainable development for all Fijians. As we progress into this fourth phase, we are ensuring that every decision—from infrastructure upgrades to environmental conservation—aligns with community needs and global best practices. The strong partnership between local stakeholders and the World Bank ensures that Vanua Levu’s transformation will be both inclusive and forward-thinking.”

Stakeholder Perspectives

Fiji Airports Limited
Mr. Mesake Nawari, CEO of Fiji Airports Limited, commented: “Our technical assessments are strategically evaluating potential sites for new airport infrastructure to accommodate Vanua Levu’s growth while prioritizing environmental stewardship. The ongoing Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments will guide optimal decision-making for tourism and community benefit.”

Fiji Roads Authority
Mr. Apisai Ketenilagi, CEO of Fiji Roads Authority, added: “The Cross-Island Road project is advancing through critical planning stages, with a focus on safe, sustainable transportation solutions that preserve Vanua Levu’s natural landscape—an objective fully supported by our collaboration with the World Bank and the Fijian Government.”

Upcoming Initiatives

The mission also reviewed forthcoming programs, including:

• A dedicated support initiative for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Vanua Levu and Taveuni’s tourism sector, with targeted assistance for community-based and women-led enterprises.
• The development of an Integrated Tourism Master Plan, providing a 25-year strategic framework for sustainable tourism development, including geospatial planning for key tourism locations.

The mission concluded with a high-level wrap-up meeting between the World Bank and Fiji’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation to consolidate key findings and prioritize next steps in driving sustainable tourism development for Vanua Levu.

-END-

Fixing the waste management problem within the tourism sector needs a collective approach, says permanent secretary for Local Government Sheema Sharma.

As a panelist at the Pacific Recycling Foundation roundtable discussions on Global Recycling Day in Nadi on Wednesday, Ms Sharma said from an industry point of view, one hotel alone could not make a difference.

“We obviously need a collective approach,” she said.

“We need the tourism stakeholders and agencies to work very closely with the Ministry of Tourism.”

Ms Sharma said the National Sustainable Tourism Framework featured the issue of waste management and how recycling could be embedded into a hotel operation.

Ms Sharma’s comments were in response to a concern about the tourism industry’s role in Fiji’s economy and also its contribution to waste generation.

She said a number of hotels in Nadi and other areas were looking at how they could recycle waste.

“And as Ms Lenora Qereqeretabua had mentioned, these hotels put dispensers and reusable bottles in rooms now.

“But it’s more than that, it’s the food waste. What should they do with that?

“And obviously there are certain things they cannot recycle and that should be the only thing going to any form of dump site.

“I think you will find a lot more smaller operations doing a lot more towards recycling and working closely with the Ministry of Tourism because they do have a framework that looks at sustainability.”

Ms Sharma said ministries of Tourism and Local Government were collaborating on the Na Vualiku project where West-based solutions could be applied in the Northern Division in terms of sustainable waste disposal.

“There are initiatives in place, and we just need to bring them together.”

News source: https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/managing-waste-in-tourism-industry/

Acting Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad says the Na Vualiku project is a 10-year plan.

His observation follows concerns raised about the delays as consultations continue without any work having started.

Prof Prasad said there were a number of components to the $400 million World Bank-funded project.

“We signed that project last year when we came into government,” he said, adding the upgrade of Labasa Airport was part of the works included in the Na Vualiku project.

“And we are determined to have it completed in 18 months.”

Apart from this, he said there were a number of other developments taking place in the North.

“The Government is working with development partners, particularly China, to expand roadworks in the region.

“Other ongoing initiatives are the drilling of boreholes.”

Prof Prasad said some of these projects couldn’t be done ‘overnight’ and that work on four critical bridge projects would start soon.

With developments being undertaken in the North, he said investors were seeking to invest in the area, especially in commercial agriculture projects, due to the availability of land.

He said the number of investments in Vanua Levu in the last two years was higher than before.

News source: https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/10-year-project-plan/