TOURISM Minister Viliame Gavoka says accommodation developments should not face unnecessary obstacles amid growing tourism ambitions for the North.
Mr Gavoka’s comments come amid concerns over a legal challenge linked to the proposed $10million Vualiku project in Labasa, which is understood to involve a land dispute over ownership and rights to the site earmarked for development.
He said Fiji needed more hotel rooms and tourism infrastructure to support visitor growth.
“We need rooms in Fiji. We should not be putting obstacles in the development of accommodation in the country,” he said.
He said he needed more information about the matter, but was surprised by the allegations, given efforts to strengthen tourism promotion in Macuata.
“The Macuata Tourism Association had recently become more active and aggressive in promoting opportunities in the North.”
He said the Government had supported the association’s participation at recent tourism events in Nadi, including the Fiji Tourism Exchange.
“They are a very active team now. So, I am surprised that someone would want to stop the development of an accommodation in Labasa.”
He said tourism growth in the North depended heavily on improving infrastructure and making connectivity easier for visitors and investors alike.
