President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has expressed his full support for the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, following a courtesy call today by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, and senior project stakeholders.

The delegation included Fiji Airports Limited Board Chair Hasmukh Patel, Na Vualiku Project Manager Marlon Lezama, Director of Tourism Jacinta Lal, and officials from Fiji Airports and the Roko Tui Saravanua Office.

The visit to State House was to brief the Head of State on the World Bank-funded project known as “Na Vualiku,” which focuses on enhancing sustainable tourism development in Vanua Levu.

Key goals of the project include improving infrastructure and essential services, fostering private sector participation, and ensuring environmental sustainability of tourism assets. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation leads the implementation with support from the Fiji Roads Authority, Fiji Airports Limited, and Savusavu Town Council.

The project also targets increased economic opportunities for Fijian women and promotes nature-based tourism initiatives, including critical investments in waste and sewage management.

President Lalabalavu acknowledged the importance of collaborative development and affirmed his commitment to supporting the project’s successful implementation.