Savusavu was originally established as a trading centre for
sandalwood,
beche-de-mer, and
copra, and is the site of a major copra mill. Tourism is growing in importance, owing to its
SCUBA diving and
yachting facilities. Savusavu hosts a number of resorts, some of which have interesting specialities.
Namale Resort hosts regular seminars in the
Tony Robbins Life Mastery programme; the
Jean Michel Cousteau Resort is one of the few 5 star resorts to offer a children's camp;
Daku Resort runs a programme of learning holidays in art, yoga, singing snorkelling and birdwatching throughout the year. The birdwatching tour visits the rare silktail which is only found in the island of Vanua Levu, in a habitat about an hour and a half from Savusavu. The silktail is one of the species listed by
Birdlife International as being under threat.
Geothermal energy is a resource waiting to be tapped. A geological survey has found that Savusavu's hot springs could generate enough electricity to power the entire island of Vanua Levu. Known locally as
Nakama hot springs water from the geothermally heated pools which can reaches close to 100 degrees Celsius, have been used by local villagers for centuries to cook taro, breadfruit and other local foods. On 2 August 2022, the geothermal pools become an official tourist attraction. A F$75,000 project orchestrated by the Blue Town Committee and promoted by the Savusavu Tourism Association refurbished Nakama hot spring with landscaping, stone walls, signage, steps and drains around the springs. Locals are still permitted to cook their food on the premises and even sell prepared dishes. Most land in Fiji is owned by native land owners – the mataqali (extended family unit). Savusavu and surrounding areas has a large amount of freehold land, much of it once used for coconut plantations. Increasingly this land has been subdivided and sold, often to expats seeking a retirement or holiday home. As a result, Savusavu is now home to a small but significant community of Americans, Australians, New Zealanders and Europeans which has helped fuel its economic development. Savusavu is one of the emerging markets in Fiji with a lot of developments taking place. == Politics ==