DPM Gavoka leads push to unlock Lau tourism potential

The Government has launched a major initiative to develop tourism in the Lau Group, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka leading a Lau Tourism Scoping Mission on Moala Island on Wednesday.

The mission aims to identify sustainable, community-driven tourism opportunities in the outer islands, where access, infrastructure and investment have long been limited.

The multi-agency delegation, coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, included representatives from the United Nations, the iTaukei Trust Fund Board, the International Organization for Migration, the Republic of Fiji Navy, the iTaukei Affairs Board, the Public Works Department, Conservation International, and other government agencies.

On Moala, the delegation visited Naroi Village, the chiefly village, to discuss community priorities and explore how tourism could create jobs and improve livelihoods while preserving culture and the environment.

The team also inspected the Moala Airstrip to assess connectivity and identify potential upgrades needed to support tourism growth.

Mr Gavoka said the Government was committed to inclusive and sustainable development in the outer islands.

“We want tourism growth in Lau that is sustainable, respectful of our people and environment, and driven by local communities,” he said.

Further consultations were held in Keteira and Cokova villages, including a visit to the internationally recognised Cokova game-fishing reef, which has been identified as a high-value tourism asset capable of attracting niche and premium markets.

The Government said the findings from the mission would guide future investment and policy decisions, promoting collaboration between communities, traditional landowners, government agencies and development partners.

Following Moala, the mission is scheduled to continue to Fulaga, Lakeba, Cicia and Vanuabalavu before returning to Suva.

The Government said the initiative marked an important step in spreading tourism growth beyond Fiji’s main centres and into the outer islands.