Savusavu Tourism Association chairperson Delia Rothnie-Jones hopes Government will allocate funds in the upcoming 2024-2025 National Budget to boost the tourism industry in Savusavu, and the Northern Division.
She said there were talks about Government, working with the World Bank to fund phase one of the Fiji Tourism Development Programme in Vanua Levu ‘Na Vualiku’ (the project).
“The project’s objectives are to strengthen targeted infrastructure and essential services, increase co-ordination and private sector participation in tourism, and enhance environmental sustainability of tourism assets,” Ms Rothnie-Jones said.
“The project’s lead implementing agency is the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation with three others Fiji Roads Authority, Fiji Airports and Savusavu Town Council.”
To dates, she said no one knows the latest update on this project.
The project aims to support sustainable tourism development and is expected to generate significant environmental benefits from its focus on resilient tourism infrastructure development, investments in nature-based tourism attractions and essential facilities as well as services such as waste and sewage management and the promotion and management of protected areas.
Ms Rothnie-Jones said they were still waiting to hear about the integrated tourism master plan, which would include forecasted tourist arrival and population growth data to inform future investment in infrastructure for essential service and air and road connectivity and anticipate targets for needed private sector investment and improved livability for the local populations.
“We hope that to see some form of marketing support provided to us and some upgrade of facilities in Savusavu Town,” she said.
“Savusavu is the main hub for tourism in Vanua Levu and it deserves some attention.”
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