Report highlights huge potential in Vanua Levu for tourism
This could potentially increase tourism earnings by $339 million

Report highlights huge potential in Vanua Levu for tourism

This could potentially increase tourism earnings by $339 million

By Vijay Narayan
Saturday 07/11/2020
Koro Sun Resort and Spa. [Image: ftha]

Vanua Levu could become a significant part of the nation’s tourism recovery efforts through targeted investments to attract high-value markets, potentially increasing national tourism earnings by $339 million in 2020, above government forecast estimates.

International Finance Corporation or IFC, with the support of the governments of Australia and New Zealand, has completed a study, Vanua Levu Tourism Market Demand Assessment, which provides critical information for the World Bank Group and the Fijian Government, to design a project that will support the island’s future growth and recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

The move follows work undertaken last year by the World Bank and the Fijian Government to explore opportunities to develop tourism in Vanua Levu through the Bank’s International Development Association lending program.

According to the IFC study, Fiji’s tourism recovery efforts should focus on high yielding markets such as those focused on nature and adventure, scuba diving and yachting, weddings and honeymoon; and expedition cruises.

The Fijian Government has estimated international arrivals in 2022 will fall to 70%t of the 2019 levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yielding about $2.12 billion in tourism earnings.

The new study by IFC estimates that investments geared toward these high yield tourism markets could increase earnings by $339 million from estimated losses to $2.46 billion, supporting recovery efforts.

LabasaMinister for Tourism, Faiyaz Koya says they are all aware of the impact of COVID-19 on Fiji’s tourism industry but the Fijian Government’s commitment to the long-term vision of a more diversified and sustainable tourism sector remains unwavered.

Koya says the development of tourism in Vanua Levu, which is largely untapped, is critical and core to this vision.

IFC resident representative in Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu and Samoa, Deva De Silva says while it may be difficult to reliably forecast when international arrivals will return to Fiji at this stage, the Fijian Government has the ability to position itself for the future by focusing on high value and first to rebound markets.

He says it is critical in Fiji’s tourism recovery efforts that the investment conditions are right to attract the right investors to Vanua Levu to boost tourism and create jobs.

The study says the development of Vanua Levu as a key destination will require investment in a range of areas including adequate supporting infrastructure and services and improving investment conditions for the private sector.

It also recommends developing the labour force for tourism, and advancing biodiversity and conservation.

FEATURE NEWS
We have observed a decline in the number of superbugs at CWM - MOH
The Ministry of Health has today said that they have observed a decline in the number of antibiotic-resistant organisms or superbugs being isolated at...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
USP Celebrates Global No.1 Rankings for Tourism and Hospitality Programmes
The University of the South Pacific (USP) has achieved global recognition for its excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education, earning the No. 1 ...
9 minutes ago

Open-heart surgeries for Fiji and the region
Great news for the people of Fiji and the greater South Pacific Region as the regions largest and highest rated super-specialty private hospital ...
20 minutes ago

Australia launches bill to ban social media for children under 16
The Australian Government has tabled a bill in parliament that aims to ban social media for children under 16 and proposed fines of up to $73.3 ...
59 minutes ago

6,659 drug cases recorded in 5 years with 1,615 cases recorded last year - ACP Raikaci
6,659 drug cases were recorded by the Fiji Police Force over the last five years, with last year seeing the highest with 1,615 cases. Acting ...
1 hour ago

Villages are emptying because they know they are not being looked after well – GCC Chair
The Great Council of Chiefs believes that one reason the villages are emptying out is that people in the villages understand that their leaders do ...
1 hour ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Doctor Alipate Vakamocea on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan The show will focus on ...
7 days ago

Mangal and Akauola on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Adult Teen Challenge Fiji Executive Director, Hemraj Mangal and Director, Matai Akauola appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan The ...
7 days ago

Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
14 days ago

TOP