Growth should benefit everyone. This principle inspired a partnership in Labasa, where the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for a $10 million hotel project.
This initiative, which also represents a pivotal investment in the future of the Northern township, accentuates the ongoing commitment from both the government and the private sector to foster economic development and sustainability in Fiji.
It also signifies a bold step forward in realising Labasa's true potential as a destination for tourism, hospitality, and economic growth.
Highlighting the Coalition Government’s commitment towards the development of the tourism industry in the North during the groundbreaking ceremony, DPM Kamikamica said the Government has put in place the 10-year multi-phase Vualiku Tourism Programme (not to be associated with Vualiku Hotels) valued at around US$200 million that is aimed to enhance sustainable tourism in Vanua Levu.
“The program focuses on economic growth, job opportunities, and investment by improving infrastructure and preserving the environment,” said the DPM. “Specifically, it will fund better roads and upgrade airports to enhance accessibility and the overall tourism experience.”
“The Coalition Government investments are not only aimed at enhancing the tourism sector but will also provide long-term benefits to the people in the north. We will continue to prioritise creating a conducive environment for investment in the north, offering incentives for investors to set up businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the region's sustainable development,” said DPM Kamikamica.
Vanua Levu currently attracts only 4 percent of tourists compared to the Yasawas’, Mamanucas, and the Coral Coasts.
“The Vualiku Hotel and Resort project is not just an investment in the tourist sector; it is an investment in the livelihoods of the people in the north. It will stimulate local businesses and improve the overall infrastructure in the region.”
DPM Kamikamica adds that the project is fully aligned with the objectives of the National Development Plan, which serves as a roadmap for Fiji's economic growth over the next decade.
“As part of the government's vision, the NDP emphasises the need to invest in regional development, with a specific focus on the Northern Division, which has tremendous untapped potential. This project in particular will significantly contribute to the broader goals of the NDP by promoting regional development.”
“On the other hand, the Coalition Government continues to prioritise the creation of a conducive environment for investment in the North, offering incentives for investors to set up businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the sustainable development of the region,” stated DPM Kamikamica.
“The Vualiku Hotel and Resort is a prime example of how we can achieve these goals. The groundbreaking of this hotel is not just the beginning of a new resort; it marks the start of a new chapter in the northern division and for Fiji as a whole. We are laying the foundations for future prosperity, for job creation, sustainable development, and the continued upliftment of our communities.”
The Vualiku Hotel and Resort project, a partnership between Labasa businessman Mr. Vinesh Dayal and the Yavusa Matasawa of Vuo Village, Macuata, will feature a double-storey building with 40 rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and additional recreational facilities.
A 500-square-meter conference facility will also set the trend in Labasa, with hopes of attracting more national conferences to the north.
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.