Driving Delivery Forward: 4th Na Vualiku Project Steering Committee Meeting

The Na Vualiku Project convened its 4th Steering Committee Meeting yesterday at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, bringing together members representing key government agencies and partners to review progress, address implementation challenges, and align on priorities for the next phase of delivery.

Work on the ground is picking up pace.

Since the previous meeting, the Project has continued to scale-up across multiple fronts, supported by strengthened capacity within the Central Project Management Unit (CPMU) and an expanding portfolio of activities.

Across the Project:

• 42 contracts have been signed to date, valued at USD 18.8 million
• 10 contracts are currently under implementation, valued at USD 14.1 million

These investments span infrastructure, planning, and community-focused initiatives, reflecting a coordinated approach to unlocking tourism potential while ensuring sustainability and resilience. 

What this means for you:

More projects are moving from planning into implementation and works. This means services and improvements you can start to see soon and benefit from.

Progress Across Priority Areas – Here’s what is moving forward and why it matters:

The meeting highlighted steady progress across key sectors that underpin tourism development in Vanua Levu and Taveuni:

Aviation and Connectivity

Runway strengthening works at Labasa Airport have been completed, improving operational reliability.

Photos: Operational Labasa Airport

More planning is underway for future improvements, including feasibility studies for future aviation needs, such as a potential new airport and runway extensions to inform decisions, and a remote tower Automatic Flight Information Service (AFIS), are advancing, with key milestones expected in April–June 2026.

What this means for you:

Safer, more reliable flights, better connections, and easier travel for families, businesses, and visitors.

Resilient Infrastructure

The Labasa–Savusavu Cross-Island Road and scenic lookouts activity is scheduled for implementation in FY 2026–2027. Once underway, these upgrades will improve safety, enhance climate resilience, and create new opportunities for communities along the corridor, with four scenic lookouts in the pipeline.

Photos: The Labasa–Savusavu Cross-Island Road

Essential Services and Environmental Management

Work is underway to improve how waste is managed and how basic services are delivered.

Solid waste management planning is progressing, with stakeholder engagement at its forefront, focusing on both immediate improvements and long-term infrastructure solutions, with initial upgrade works expected to commence in late 2026. Sanitation planning and solar feasibility studies for public buildings in Labasa and Savusavu are also advancing, with feasibility work targeted for completion by mid-2026, supporting more efficient and sustainable service delivery.

What this means for you:

Cleaner communities, better public services, and lower energy costs over time.

Strategic Planning for Long-Term Growth

A long-term tourism plan is being developed to guide growth over the next 25 years, with completion expected by January 2027.

An environmental and social assessment will be finalised by April 2026 to make sure development protects land, culture, and communities.

What this means for you:

Tourism growth will be properly planned, avoid harm to the environment and communities, and bring real benefits to local people.

Expanding Opportunities for Communities

Ensuring that tourism growth translates into tangible local benefits remains central to the Project.

The MSME and Community-Based Tourism (CBT) support programs have generated strong interest, with over 300 applications received for grants and capacity building initiatives. These programs are designed to strengthen local enterprises, including women-led businesses, and enable greater participation in the tourism economy.

Next steps include finalising beneficiary selection, mobilising delivery partners, and commencing rollout in May–June 2026.

Strengthening the Evidence Base

Work is underway to strengthen the data and evidence that underpin Project delivery. The Baseline Study will establish key indicators across infrastructure, services, employment, and MSMEs, with completion expected by June 2026, while improvements to the International Visitor Survey will enhance insights into visitor expenditure, experience, and behaviour.

These efforts will support more informed decision-making and ensure that progress can be measured over time.

Coordinated Delivery and Key Challenges

The Steering Committee continues to play a critical role in ensuring alignment, oversight, and timely decision-making across agencies and partners.

Looking Ahead

Work will continue to accelerate over the coming months, with more projects moving into delivery.

The focus remains simple:better infrastructure, stronger local businesses, and protecting what makes Vanua Levu and Taveuni special.

Tourism that lifts everyone, benefits all.