The project is supporting work by Airports Fiji to improve the airports of Labasa and Savusavu.

🚧 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.

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/

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.

Speech delivered by the Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka:

Read here: https://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Centre/Speeches/English/PM-SITIVENI-RABUKA-AT-THE-NA-VUALIKU-PROGRAM-LAUNC