Fiji Launches Nasaulevu Tourism Master Plan with FJD 1.2 million ADB Grant
19 June 2026 | Navoci Village, Nadi – The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, today officiated the launch of the Nasaulevu Integrated Tourism Development Masterplan Booklet at Navoci Village, Nadi, in an event that brought together landowners, national institutions, and international development partners.
The Masterplan covers Nasaulevu Island, a 747-acre island positioned opposite the Denarau Port Marina and near Fantasy Island, within one of Fiji’s busiest tourism corridors. Its preparation was funded by a USD 400,000 grant from the Asian Development Bank, equivalent to approximately FJD 1.2 million.
The plan was developed through a partnership involving the Fiji National Provident Fund, the Nakovacake Development Trust, the three Yavusa of Nakovacake, and the international consultancy firm ARUP. The Ministry described this as the first time in Fiji that a globally recognised consultancy has worked alongside FNPF and a vanua-based landowner organisation to produce a tourism masterplan of this scale.
At the centre of the Masterplan is a landowner-led development model. The Vanua of Nakovacake is positioned not simply as a landowner but as an active partner in decision-making, governance, economic participation, and long-term stewardship of the island.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Gavoka acknowledged the Nakovacake Development Trust, chaired by Brigadier-General Manoa Gadai, for the leadership that brought the initiative to this stage. He described the Masterplan as consistent with Fiji’s National Sustainable Tourism Framework 2024 to 2034, which calls for a prosperous visitor economy, thriving communities, preserved cultures, and healthy island environments.
Gavoka said the development must produce tangible benefits for the communities of Namotomoto, Navoci, Navakai, and Narewa, including direct employment in construction, hospitality, and tourism operations, as well as opportunities for farmers, fishers, artisans, and small businesses.
He told community members that skills development must run alongside physical construction and that young people from the four villages should be prepared for employment and business opportunities before the development becomes operational.
The Minister also cautioned that a Masterplan alone is not sufficient. He called for strong governance, disciplined project management, and transparent decision-making in the implementation phase and confirmed that the Ministry stands ready to work with relevant government agencies and project partners as the initiative advances.
The Fiji National Provident Fund’s involvement was described as reflecting the role national institutions can play in long-term economic development. FNPF’s participation, Gavoka said, holds potential to generate returns for its members while supporting investment, employment, and community development in the region.
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation regards today’s launch as the beginning of a more demanding phase, with attention now required on investment readiness, environmental approvals, infrastructure coordination, and a clear pathway from planning to construction and operation.
ENDS