Need tourism sector that adds value to local economy: Gavoka

We need a tourism sector that adds value to the local economy, brings low impact, high value markets and support micro, small and medium tourism businesses.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka said this while opening the Investment Fiji forum with Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Savusavu Tourism Association at Daku Resort in Savusavu on Tuesday.

Mr Gavoka told the participants that Cabinet had endorsed a World Bank’s tourism development programme for Vanua Levu and this was something that the Coalition Government was serious about. “This is the first multiphase programmatic approach for the Pacific and first ever for tourism,” Mr Gavoka said.

The programme is expected to be led by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation with three key implementing agencies, including the Savusavu Town Council.”

The first phase valued at US$61.5 million (FJ$136.67m) have identified the following activities:

1. An integrated tourism master plan which would include Taveuni

2. Waisali Forest Reserve

3. Micro Small Medium Enterprises support programmes

4. Labasa and Savusavu Airport upgrade

5. A new landfill solid waste management system for Vanua Levu and rehabilitation/ relocation of Savusavu dump site

6. Improvements in the Savusavu cityscape with permanent solutions (foreshore upgrades, visitor welcome centre, public space, city roads, bike lanes).

He said the phase run from years one to six would set the foundations

Mr Gavoka told the participants that Cabinet had endorsed a World Bank’s tourism development programme for Vanua Levu

for sustainable tourism in Vanua Levu.

“Everyone in this forum will play a critical role in realising phase one before we move into the second and third phase,” Mr Gavoka said. The Government is also working on regulatory reforms that could see some quick wins and ensure long term business sustainability. “For years we spoke about diversifying and spreading the tourism dollar, but in the past decades we have made no real measurable progress,” he said.

“Tourism is still concentrated from the Coral Coast to Nadi and Suva and I know this is no way an indication of the North’s appeal to tourists, but has more to do with limitations in access, lack of adequate infrastructure and utilities.” Ki-Maren (Fiji) Pte Limited managing director Aren Nunnink asked Mr Gavoka for some clarification.

“Will your ministry solely be looking after this World Bank fund and project and will it be used for tourism development only?”

Mr Gavoka replied yes to the affirmative and assured that the ministry would work closely with other ministries and agencies such as Fiji Roads Authority and Water Authority of Fiji.