Vanua Levu is buzzing with the sounds of construction and anticipation over a raft of new projects that will further open up Fiji’s north to visitors.
The World Bank has approved a USD 200 million financing envelope for ‘Na Vualiku’, which has tourism infrastructure upgrades at its heart.
Work will soon begin on an Integrated Tourism Master Plan that will provide a 25-year blueprint for sustainable tourism development for the island, and neighbouring Taveuni. Improvements will include upgrades of Savusavu and Labasa airports.
Improving the Labasa-Savusavu Cross-Island Road is also a critical element to the project, with Fiji Roads Authority CEO, Apisai Ketenilagi noting: “We’re focused on creating transportation solutions that connect communities safely while preserving Vanua Levu’s natural beauty.”
Na Vualiku also includes a programme to support small businesses working in the tourism sector in Vanua Levu and Taveuni, with particular focus on community-based tourism and women-led enterprises.
Here is a quick tour of some of the latest developments in Fiji’s north.
Wavi Island’s new phase
The approach to Wavi is a dramatic 450-metre-long bridge. After carefully driving over the wooden structure, you arrive at an idyllic 27-acre freehold island. Close to Savusavu airport, it already hosts a three-bedroom luxury villa, popular with tourists looking for a private Vanua Levu experience.
There are more than ten other vacant lots ranging in size from 2,025 – 4,029 square metres available for purchase.
Reconstruction of a beautiful arrival pavilion (it had been damaged in a cyclone) and pool is complete and will cater to island residents, and in time, day trippers. A fitness centre, spa and commercial kitchen is also being outfitted, and the island’s beach is being expanded. A number of other residences are also planned.
Shabana Warner, the warm and bubbly host on the island, says while the current villa provides for a luxury experience, the beauty of the surrounding ocean is the biggest attraction. “We see dolphins, turtles, fish, and sharks right here.”
Hometown boy
Jiten Chand is a son of Vanua Levu. Returning from Australia, where he had a successful career in banking, he has built a supermarket, service station, holiday homes, coffee shop, carwash and bakery at Vuo, but has ambitions to create an even larger community hub.
This village is my hometown,” he says, gesturing to the land outside his office. “I was born here, grew up here, did primary, secondary, tertiary, and the attachment was always there to one day come back and change things for the better for the community.”
Chand and his partners are developing land which was once a sugarcane farm, and are working with landowners to develop a health centre, police post and a number of other retail and office spaces in Vuo.
Residential lots are also in the works.
His holiday home business attracts mostly visitors in the area to visit relatives and attend family functions such as weddings.
Hotels step up
A significant addition to Labasa’s tourism sector sits on the periphery of its most recent and modern retail hub. The 40-room Ramada Encore by Wyndham is now taking bookings.
The hotel is situated on the Damodar City site, a sprawling complex that has transformed retail and entertainment experiences in Labasa and boasts the best cinema in the country. Meanwhile the Charan Jeath Singh (CJS) Group, which operates two long-established hotels in Labasa –The Grand Eastern and The Friendly North Inn – is also upgrading its products.
The hotel has also expanded, with new guest rooms, including apartment-style accommodation on offer, and a conference facility being developed.
A new service offering day cruises to nearby islands including Kia, Mali and Kavewa on a 30-seat catamaran is also to operate from the Grand Eastern’s jetty. Hotel Manager Ravikash Chand says not only the CJS group will benefit, but also the communities they visit.
Nawi Island Marina
In Savusavu, one of the most transformational tourism projects, Nawi Island Marina continues its expansion.
The full service marina is already hosting super yachts and many other craft. Work is planned on a luxury resort and residential homesites. Commercial and retail amenities are already operating, with a pool club and restaurants attracting visiting yachties, tourists and locals.
The island is also a popular destination for day-trippers with a frequent boat transfer from the Savusavu foreshore meaning you can visit the island for lunch or dinner, and be back at your hotel within minutes.
There are 36 freehold lots available for purchase on Nawi Island, ranging from 1,200 square meters to a private island of over 21,000 square meters. Owners can build their own homes using approved contractors and plans.
The project will also offer 13 already-built homes for sale.
Other tourism initiatives
Back in Labasa, construction of the FJD10 million Vualiku Hotel hotel, restaurant and bar on the riverfront is underway.
The Rosie Travel Group has launched its Vualiku initiative, which will see it work with community-based tourism operators. In its initial phase, seven communities in conjunction with their ground partner, Muanivatu Trails, have entered into a mentorship agreement to deliver adventure experiences that promote culture, environment and arts from across these communities. Managing Director of Muanivatu Trails, Epeli Asaro said, “this is a historic moment in time for our vanua and our people. Long have we dreamt of the time when we would get to develop our tourism potential and today we start our journey with gratitude and excitement for what this will bring for our people.”
