North community calls for infrastructure upgrade to boost tourism

A Labasa businessman has called on the Government to assist with improving basic infrastructure, particularly access to clean drinking water, to stimulate tourism development in the area.

The request was made by 52-year-old entrepreneur Mohammed Aruf Khan, who owns seven acres of land near the popular Korovatu Beach in Labasa.

Mr Khan raised his concerns during a recent talanoa session at the launch of the first phase of the Na Vualiku tourism development project for Vanua Levu, a US$3.2 million project.

While expressing support for the Government’s Na Vualiku tourism initiative, Mr Khan urged authorities to allocate funding to emerging tourism developers like himself.

“We have many opportunities to grow tourism at Korovatu, but we request the Government to help us secure tapped water,” he said.

Mr Khan said he plans to construct villa-style accommodation aimed at attracting tourists for overnight stays while experiencing the scenic beauty of Korovatu.

He is also the owner of Natua Travel and Tours, a rental and tour company, and believes visitors enjoy sightseeing across Vanua Levu.

“We are trying to take tourists around Vanua Levu so they can enjoy the many tourism sites, while also helping local communities and business owners grow economically,” he said.

Mr Khan highlighted three popular attractions in Labasa that tourists frequently request to visit: the Three Sisters Mountain at Batinikama, Korovatu Beach, and the floating island in Lagalaga.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, assured small and medium-sized entrepreneurs of continued support.

Mr Gavoka said community-based tourism partners play a vital role in growing the tourism market in Vanua Levu.

He emphasised the need to increase international visitor arrivals, which currently stand at about four per cent.

“There is a lot of potential, and the Na Vualiku project provides a platform to grow tourist arrivals,” he said.

Meanwhile, Macuata Tourism Association member Amelia Simmons said the association had identified key tourism hotspots in Labasa but required government assistance to improve road infrastructure.

She added the floating island, located about 60 kilometres from Labasa Town in Lagalaga, was a major attraction; however, the access road remained dusty and bumpy highlighting the need for upgrades to improve visitor comfort.