Tourism Growth In Labasa, Plans To Upgrade Popular Sites

For the past few months there has been an increased num­ber of tourists spending holi­day in Labasa.

Macuata Tourism Association President Paul Jaduram said these are the former Labasa and Fiji resi­dents who have been living in over­seas countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America.

Many travelled and booked rooms at the Hotel Northwinds, Hotel Ta­kia, Friendly North Inn, Grand Eastern Hotel, Labasa Waterfront Hotel, Hotel Northpole, Hotel 88, Richard’s Apartment, Galaxy Ho­tel and Apartments either to attend weddings, funerals, visit families, watch sports at Subrail Park and other activities.

“The civil servants have always been filing in rooms for ministe­rial visits, workshops, training and meetings,” Mr Jaduram said.

“We have been having local tour­ists from Viti Levu keeping hotel­iers’ business afloat.”

He said some while spending time in Labasa have taken time to visit famous places and temples such as Nagigi Naag Mandir.

Macuata Tourism Association president Paul Jaduram in Labasa on August 17, 2022. Photo: Shratika Naidu

Future development

Mr Jaduram is hoping to upgrade a few popular sites in Labasa to generate more tourist attractions.

Such as the hot springs in Waiqele and the floating island in Nubu.

He is planning to meet and carry out discussion with the Mataqali of floating island to see how they can work together.

Also he said the hot springs closer to Waiqele Airport can be taken to another level to encourage tourists to visit.

Mr Jaduram originally from La­basa has been the president of the association for more than a decade.

Although there has been no con­struction of a hotel and resort in Labasa this year, he is hopeful for more progress in terms of increase in the number of overseas tourists.

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