The Post-Stakeholder Review Workshop following the Lau Tourism Scoping Mission commenced today, bringing together Government agencies, development partners, provincial leaders, private sector representatives and community stakeholders to shape a clear and sustainable tourism development pathway for the Lau Group.
Officially opening the workshop, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, emphasised that the engagement represents a critical transition point—from observation to action. While the Lau Tourism Scoping Mission provided valuable evidence and insights across Moala, Fulaga, Lakeba, Cicia and Vanuabalavu, the Minister stressed that meaningful development will depend on how those findings are applied.
He noted that the workshop is not ceremonial but a working forum designed to move stakeholders toward coordinated planning, realistic prioritisation and practical implementation.
Day 1 of the workshop is focused on building a shared, evidence-based understanding of Lau’s tourism potential and constraints, structured around the four core pillars of tourism development – Accessibility, Accommodation, Attractions and Amenities (the 4As). Participants are also engaging in cross-cutting discussions on land, environment and governance, recognising that these foundational issues will determine whether tourism development in Lau can proceed responsibly and sustainably.
The Minister highlighted Lau’s unique place in Fiji’s national development landscape, noting its rich cultural heritage, strong custodianship of land and sea, and extraordinary natural environment, alongside challenges related to distance, infrastructure, accessibility and environmental sensitivity.
For the Coalition Government, he said, tourism development in Lau must be intentional, inclusive, environmentally responsible and community-anchored, with clear safeguards to ensure that development aligns with local values and benefits the people of Lau.
The outcomes of the two-day workshop will directly inform policy and planning decisions, engagement with development partners, funding proposals and future coordination across Government, ensuring that any tourism development in Lau is well-governed, realistic and sustainable.