LABASA Chamber of Commerce president Vinesh Dayal has called on businesses and communities in Vanua Levu to get ready now, or risk missing out on the benefits of a major tourism boom.
Mr Dayal said the $200million tourism development planned for Vanua Levu was a big opportunity, but only if locals were prepared.
“For too long, we’ve only focused on business growth. Now is the time to also focus on food security, rural development and using the knowledge and resources we already have,” he said.
Speaking during the Labasa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit on Saturday, he said tourists would be looking for more than just beaches; they’ll want an authentic Fijian experience.
He believes agriculture must play a key role in making that possible.
“Places like Navatu, Nakorotubu and Dakuniba can offer something unique, an experience you won’t find in Denarau.”
He urged farmers and businesses to start growing more local produce such as yams, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, honey and cocoa, and to improve both quality and supply.
He warned that without proper storage and processing facilities, farmers would continue to lose money.
“We’ve heard of pineapple farmers having to throw away their harvests because there’s no market. Root crops are rotting in fields. That has to change.”
He called for cold storage and processing facilities to be built in areas such as Seaqaqa.
“We must stop waiting and start preparing. Otherwise, we won’t be able to handle the wave of tourism coming our way.”
He said agriculture could be just as important to Fiji’s economy as sugar and tourism, but only if the government and private sector worked together.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 18, 2025
