On August 22, 1994, a resort owned by the President and the late Tui Nayau Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara opened for operations on Vanuabalavu.
The next day The Fiji Times reported Tourism Minister Harold Powell as saying the Lomaloma Resort represented a unique opportunity for tourists to experience a part of Fiji that had long remained remote and mysterious.
He said this while officially opening the resort.
He said the northern-eastern part of the Lau Group, where Vanuabalavu was located, played a very significant role in Fiji’s early colonial history.
Vanuabalavu was a busy port of entry in the 1800s, rivalling the then capital of Fiji — Levuka in importance.
It was the power-based of Tongan warlord, Ma’afu, who established Lau as his domain.
“From a tourism perspective, Vanuabalavu is an attractive addition to our internal tourism destination as we constantly look at diversifying and expanding our tourist attractions.
“Tourism is today the fastest growing industry in Fiji.
“Between 1990-1993, the industry grew by 23.4 per cent. Tourism contributes 24 per cent of Fiji’s Domestic Product.
“It is the largest foreign exchange earning industry in the country.
“Total earnings last year amounted to over $363million.
“The industry provides direct and indirect employment for about 40,000 or about 16 per cent of our total labour force.
“Already, tourism is the largest employer of the Fijian people.
“Indigenous landowners earn an estimated $1.4m annually through tourism leases. As part of my Government’s commitment to growth and diversification of the industry, we have set up an eco-tourism in my ministry.”
“The unit is involved in developing, facilitating and promoting, rural tourism destinations with particular, natural, adventure and cultural attractions.”
Mr Powell said in recent months, the Government had been studying proposals to expand rural and interior tourism development through the creation of national parks and historic sites.
“The establishment of the Lomaloma Resort is therefore most timely.”
The resort was managed by Lynette Mercer, formerly manager of Namale Plantation in Savusavu.
It comprised six Tongan-styled fale (huts) in beautiful, pristine surroundings.
Resort activities included sunset cruising, hot water springs, native treks, village tours, nightly entertainment, picnics on private beaches, snorkelling, fish diving, windsurfing and row beating.
Mr Powell said the key to any successful resort was its effectiveness in securing a market.
“Lomaloma Resort is fortunate to have secured the services of leading Australia (domestic) airline Ansett to handle its marketing drive regionally and internationally.”
” Ansett has established two offices in Fiji — Nadi and Suva — these premises are an equally welcoming addition to our tourism industry.
“Ansett’s sub-agents, Global Air Services in conjunction with Sun Tours Fiji, will coordinate the marketing strategy for Lomaloma.
” As far the Government is concerned, tourism, as the industry of the future, will be further encouraged to continue the growth it has experienced in the last few years.”
“My ministry hopes to increase the marketing and promotion budget of the Fiji Visitors Bureau and allocate funds to further develop eco-tourism in Fiji.
“It is our expectation that, since tourism has the greatest potential for expansion, it can absorb many of the young people who join our labour force every year.”