Good news for the people of the north as the Na Vualiku Grant and Capacity-Building Programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Women’s Cultural Enterprises, and Community-Based Tourism Enterprises with a budget of USD$3.2 million was officially launched today at the Ramada Hotel in Labasa.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka will continue with a further session scheduled for tomorrow, at the Somosomo Provincial Council Hall on Taveuni.
The programme is designed to empower local businesses and communities to thrive in Fiji’s tourism economy, placing people at the heart of growth and ensuring opportunities reach those who preserve the culture, welcome visitors, and protect the environment.
The key components include: Community Based Tourism Grant Programme, providing funding for community-owned tourism ventures to enhance visitor facilities such as walkways, eco-trails, cultural centres, signage, and other small-scale investments.
The grants strengthen local livelihoods while improving the visitor experience.
MSME and Women’s Cultural Enterprises Capacity-Building Programme: offers training and technical assistance in business operations, marketing, digital skills, and financial literacy.
It equips micro, small, and women-led enterprises to grow sustainably, build confidence, and reach higher commercial standards.
Gavoka encouraged communities, MSMEs, and women-led enterprisesto participate, telling them this is their opportunity to grow their enterprise, share their culture, and contribute to the prosperity of their community.
The Deputy Prime Minister says tourism thrives when our communities thrive encouraging people to step forward, apply, and build a future of shared success for Vanua Levu.
Gavoka says the launch underscores the Government’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable tourism development, ensuring that Vanua Levu and Taveuni communities benefit from growth in the tourism sector.
Applications are now open and can be collected from Na Vualiku offices in Savusavu, provincial offices in Macuata, Bua, and Cakaudrove, district offices in Taveuni, or online via the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation website.
Applications close on 13th February 2026.
