Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa on Yanuca Island is hopeful for a fortunate and prosperous 2017 with the forecast of a busy year.

This was outlined by the general manager Craig Powell at the opening of the Resort’s newly refurbished lobby on Saturday.

The lobby was opened by the chief guest Sekove Naqiolevu, a pioneer of the resort.

Also joining him was the first couple Kevin and Linsey Harkness who checked -in all the way from Utah, Salt Lake, USA.

Mr Powell said: “2016 will look back on as the year of experience.

“2016 was a challenging and a year of adversity in the wake of Cyclone Winston and I think also a defining year for Fiji when they won Gold Medal from Rio.”

Mr Powell tied the forecast to the year 2017 in Chinese calendar as the Year of the Rooster.

“The year of the Rooster, and as we know Rooster is a very busy bird,” he said.

“So it will be a very busy year especially when Donald Trump (US President) will take office in January.”

Facility Facelift

Mr Powell had told the Fiji  Sun earlier on the major upgrade of the property worth $15million in investment.

“We did a soft opening of our newly renovated lobby it coincidently coincided with our Christmas tree lighting so I think it was quite appropriate,” he said.

He said a part of their facilities (partial Lagoon Wing accommodation and Beach Bar and Grill) are undergoing a facelift.

“The resort continues to operate as usual with uninterrupted services.

“Every effort would be made to reduce the impact of the ongoing soft-refurbishment during your stay.”

Edited by: Farzana Nisha