Radisson Blu’s Signature Restaurant is into its final face lift, earmarked to open next month.

The project is part of the Radisson Blu resort upgrade which boasts an investment close to $2 million.

General manager Gerard Knight said the work commenced this year but will not quite finish until the end of next month.

He said majority of the work has been undertaken.

“All is left to be done is the bar. So five per cent is left to be completed and it is pretty close to $2 million investment,” he said.

Mr Knight added an additional $1.5 million investment was undertaken by the resort this year which saw the face-lift of the lobby and new Chantara (Thai) Restaurant opening.

Thoughts on 2016

He said all the signs have been positive for next year but there have been few concerns on the key market of Australia where tourists are now finding Fiji to be a little more expensive.

Mr Knight attributed this to the increase in Service Turnover Tax which goes up from five per cent to 10 per cent and the introduction of the six per cent Environmental Levy.

Also the increase in taxes on alcoholic beverages Mr Knight said was a bitter pill to swallow for the Australian and New Zealand tourists.

“They also had a decline in their currency against ours, so cost is an issue for Fiji going forward but right now that message is still getting through and it remains quiet strong for 2016,” he said.

He said right now they have not seen any set back or any rapid cancellation in the booking for the New Year.

“We are confident we will have this high season next year,” Mr Knight said.

“Fiji continues to be different with the people here.”

He added Radisson Blu has received more than 3000 positive comments on Trip Advisor.

“We are proud of our guests where 95 per cent gave a good review,” he said.

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Edited by: RACHNA LAL