Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu - "Na Vualiku Project''

🌿 Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future. 🌏🇫🇯

This UN Environment Programme World Environment Day, the reflects on what communities across Vanua Levu and Taveuni have shared through consultations: tourism growth must protect the environment, maintain cultural authenticity and deliver real benefits for local people.

Our forests, reefs, rivers, coastlines, towns, culture and communities are the foundation of the North’s tourism future. Protecting them is climate action. It is also development action.

Through the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu - "Na Vualiku Project'' we are supporting practical work that links tourism development with the World Environment Day theme:

🌿 Inspired by Nature
Supporting long-term tourism planning through the Integrated Tourism Master Plan and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, so future growth is informed by community priorities, environmental protection and cultural heritage.

☀️ For Climate
Exploring solar energy options for selected public sites in Labasa and Savusavu, supporting improved solid waste management planning, and helping strengthen infrastructure and services that are safer, cleaner and more resilient.

🤝 For Our Future
Supporting MSMEs and community-based tourism so more local businesses, women-led enterprises and communities can participate in and benefit from sustainable tourism.

This World Environment Day, we recognise that the environment is not separate from development. It is the foundation for stronger communities, better services, local jobs and a more resilient tourism future for Vanua Levu and Taveuni.



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The team welcomed the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs for an update on the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu 🇫🇯

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss critical priorities for unlocking tourism potential in the North, including town planning, creating a shared vision with stakeholders, improving air, road and sea access, strengthening capacity, and identifying other supporting infrastructure needed to enable sustainable tourism growth.

Discussions also focused on how local communities can benefit more directly from , including through the Community-Based Tourism grants and program, which aim to support local enterprise, livelihoods and inclusive participation in the tourism sector.

continues to support a coordinated approach to tourism development in Vanua Levu and Taveuni, focused on better opportunities for people, stronger communities, improved infrastructure and shared value from sustainable tourism.

🔗 https://navualiku.com/how-can-tourism-development-support-jobs-better-services-stronger-infrastructure-and-more-resilient-local-economies-%f0%9f%8c%bf/

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#𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 #𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 🛫

Labasa Airport is expected to become the first airport in the Pacific to host a remote tower Aerodrome Flight Information Service, known as AFIS, in a move aimed at strengthening air services for Vanua Levu.

The planned system will use cameras and other equipment at Labasa Airport to transmit real-time flight information to the Nadi Operations Centre, supporting safer, more reliable and better-coordinated services for aircraft operating to and from Labasa.

For passengers, residents and businesses, the investment means Labasa Airport is being equipped with modern technology to support the air services that connect Vanua Levu with the rest of Fiji.

The initiative is being delivered through the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, locally known as the . The Program is a flagship Government of Fiji initiative financed by the World Bank and led by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in collaboration with implementing partners, including Fiji Airports and the Fiji Roads Authority.

Under a contract awarded by Fiji Airports, Adacel Technologies Limited will deploy its REVAL remote tower system for Labasa Airport. The system will include a Remote Tower Module at Labasa Airport and a Remote Tower Centre at the Nadi Operations Centre, strengthening how flight information is captured, monitored and shared.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Bill Gavoka, said the investment reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening the foundations for sustainable tourism and regional development in Vanua Levu.

“For residents and passengers, this means the airport is being equipped with modern technology to support safer, more reliable and better-coordinated aviation services for the North,” he said.

“The planned remote tower AFIS system for Labasa Airport is part of a wider effort to modernise tourism-enabling infrastructure and essential services, while supporting communities, businesses and visitors who rely on safe and dependable transport links,” he added.

“Aviation connectivity is critical for Vanua Levu’s future. Through the Na Vualiku Project, the Government is investing in practical, long-term improvements that strengthen access, safety, reliability and confidence in the North as a sustainable tourism destination,” Hon. Gavoka said.

Labasa Airport is a key gateway for Vanua Levu, supporting residents, visitors, businesses, government services and essential service providers. The planned remote tower AFIS system is expected to improve aviation services and will support the tourism sector by helping strengthen regional connectivity and operational resilience.

Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer, Mesake Seavula Nawari, said the project is an important step forward in strengthening aviation services for Vanua Levu and supporting Fiji’s broader economic development.

He said that the remote tower’s architecture will enable real-time operational visibility and monitoring from a centralized facility in Nadi, supporting safe and efficient remote service delivery in Labasa.

“By modernising aerodrome service delivery at Labasa through advanced technology, we are enhancing regional connectivity, supporting tourism growth and helping ensure safe, reliable air transport for our communities and visitors,” he explained.

The remote tower AFIS system is one of several aviation-related investments being supported under the Na Vualiku Project to strengthen connectivity and enable sustainable tourism development in Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

The Na Vualiku Project supports coordinated investments in tourism-enabling infrastructure, essential public services, regional connectivity, enterprise development, climate resilience, environmental and social planning, and community-based tourism.

-ENDS-

The Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu - "Na Vualiku Project'' is supporting sustainable tourism growth across Vanua Levu and Taveuni through coordinated investments in tourism-enabling infrastructure, essential public services, regional connectivity, enterprise development, climate resilience, environmental and social planning, and community-based tourism.

The Program aims to strengthen the foundations for sustainable tourism by improving connectivity, public infrastructure and services, expanding local economic opportunities, protecting cultural and natural assets, and delivering shared benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.

The Program is a flagship Fiji Government initiative financed by the World Bank Group, led by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and implemented in collaboration with key partners, including Fiji Airports and the Fiji Roads Authority. For more information, visit www.navualiku.com or email us: [email protected]

📢 OUT NOW!

The April-May 2026 edition of IMPACT, the Newsletter, is now available! 🌿

This issue is packed with updates on the work moving forward across Vanua Levu and Taveuni, including:

✨ Major 2026 milestones under the Project
✈️ Air connectivity updates for Labasa, Savusavu, and Taveuni
☀️ Solar feasibility work for public buildings, including Savusavu Hospital
🌱 Tourism planning through the Integrated Tourism Master Plan
💼 Strong demand for MSME and Community-Based Tourism support
♻️ Solid waste management planning for cleaner, healthier communities

Read the latest issue here:
👉 https://navualiku.com/newsletters/



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🌿 Community-led Tourism in Action

Initiatives such as Drawa’s community-led eco-retreat show the potential of Vanua Levu’s untapped opportunities, where culture, conservation, and local livelihoods can grow together.

The Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu - "Na Vualiku Project'' is working to strengthen sustainable tourism models across Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Our focus is protecting the environment, empowering communities, and building long-term resilience through sustainable tourism development.

The Ideal Drawa Eco Retreat was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Bill Gavoka

👏Congratulations to the people of on this important milestone.

Learn more: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/historical-drawa-opens-doors-to-eco-tourism-retreat/



Photos: Live and Learn Fiji 📸

Solar power study targets hospital resilience in Savusavu

A feasibility study is underway to assess how solar power could strengthen energy resilience and support critical healthcare services at Savusavu Hospital during severe weather events and power disruptions.

The Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu - "Na Vualiku Project'' said reliable electricity was vital for hospitals, especially during emergencies when demand for medical care increases while infrastructure and essential services face pressure.

Read more in the The Fiji Times here: https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/solar-power-study-targets-hospital-resilience-in-savusavu/

World Bank Group World Bank Pacific Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji Fiji Airports Fiji Roads Authority The Savusavu Town Council Visit Savusavu, Fiji Savusavu, Fiji Islands

⚡ Powering Life-Saving Services at Savusavu Hospital 🏥

During severe weather events, demand for medical care can rise at the very moment power systems, roads, supply chains, and emergency services are under the greatest pressure.

🏝️ Fiji has already seen how devastating the consequences can be when severe weather, health emergencies, and power disruptions collide.

Continue reading here: https://navualiku.com/powering-life-saving-services-at-savusavu-hospital/

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Vibrant discussions, ideas shared, and real momentum on the ground in .

The World Bank Group's 6th Implementation Support Mission for the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku Project), currently underway, brought together local leadership and stakeholders today to take stock of progress and keep delivery moving forward across key investments.

There was clear energy in the room, Labasa Town Council Chair Paul Jaduram, MT Association President Amelia Milia Simmons, business leaders, the Central Project Management Unit (CPMU), and the World Bank team coming together around a shared commitment to Labasa’s development.

What stood out was the pace of progress and how different pieces are starting to come together...continue reading here: https://navualiku.com/vibrant-discussions-ideas-shared-and-real-momentum-on-the-ground-in-labasa/

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

The 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. Continue reading to find out more: https://navualiku.com/driving-delivery-forward/

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Future Planning: New Airport Feasibility Study ✈️📊

An international aviation consultancy, AirBiz, is undertaking a feasibility study to assess future aviation needs in Vanua Levu.

This includes:
✈️ A potential new airport in Vanua Levu
🌍 An air connectivity study for Taveuni
🏗️ Master plans for Labasa and Matei airports

This work is part of a feasibility assessment only. Continue reading: https://navualiku.com/future-planning-new-airport-feasibility-study/




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