With so much happening around the constitutional amendment consultations, the proposed referendum, immunity provisions and the extension of the process, perhaps it is time to reflect on other issues that deserve our attention.
A multi-billion-dollar tourism investment pipeline featuring 57 projects across Fiji is set to deliver more than 5600 new hotel rooms, providing a significant boost to the national economy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka revealed the figures while opening the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association’s HOTEC 2026 tradeshow in Nadi late last month.
Investment Fiji, he said, was tracking projects worth about $2.1billion, with 19 already under construction, involving 1460 rooms. Nadi accounted for 19 of the 57 projects.
Now, while we welcome this level of investment, we urge the powers that be to consider how the benefits of tourism can be spread widely across the country.
We continue to advocate greater attention to the Northern Division, particularly Labasa, Savusavu and Taveuni.
Today, we turn our attention to the Old Capital.
We are talking about Levuka, a town with an extraordinary tourism asset waiting to be fully realised.
The historical port town on Ovalau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its distinctive blend of colonial and indigenous Pacific architecture and its place as Fiji’s first colonial capital.
Its late 19th-century architectural landscape tells a remarkable story, one that remains largely untapped as a tourism opportunity.
UNESCO describes Levuka as a rare example of a late colonial port town whose development was shaped by its indigenous community, which outnumbered European settlers. Its warehouses, stores, port facilities, residences and social institutions reflect a unique integration of local building traditions and colonial influences.
Levuka received World Heritage recognition in 2013. So, what has happened since? Not nearly enough, it seems.
We say it is time to give this historic town the attention it deserves.
A day trip from Suva is possible, particularly on a Saturday. Inter-island ferries operate between Natovi and Levuka, with crossings taking less than two hours. Vehicles can also be transported across.
What is stopping us from making Levuka a stronger tourism destination?
We say, understandably, accommodation may need to be expanded for visitors wanting to spend a weekend exploring the town. The quality and profile of eateries may also need attention.
However, there is history around every corner, stories waiting to be told and experiences that could attract visitors from Fiji and abroad.
Levuka should not just be remembered as the place where Fiji’s colonial history began. It should be a living heritage destination, creating opportunities for local businesses, employment and investment.
We have the history, the heritage and the location. What we need is vision, commitment and the political will to turn potential into progress. Our tourism future must reach beyond the familiar destinations. Surely, the Old Capital deserves a place in that future.
