Thirty two days into its operation, the Fiji Marriott Resort, Momi Bay, plans to work more closely with its key partners.

This is the first time the resort is participating in the Fijian Tourism Expo at the Denarau Convention Centre at the Sheraton Fiji Resort.

Resort director sales and marketing Michelle Scott said: “It’s very good to be here for Marriott’s first FTE. We are now into 32 days of operation.

“As many of you know our story has been somewhat like sleeping beauty with the number of years to open.”

She said the Marriott International was excited to be in Fiji with the legacy of Starwood property and being the first Marriott branded hotel here.

“At Marriott International, our main mission is to inspire our travellers to new destinations,” she said.

“So going over an opening of one hotel is our staff that are working on behind the scenes to get these hotels around the world up and running.

“Bring it down to the Marriott the inspiration of the design is being taken by the mighty Drua which is taken from one of Fiji’s recognisable symbol.

She said the design was consistent all throughout the landscape, the building, lobby and functional spaces as well.

Mrs Scott emphasised the importance of delivering world-class facilities.

And with this, she said the resort was planning a 27-hole golf course.

“Nine holes were completed, unfortunately the nine hole golf course is currently overgrown.”

She added the resort owner was working on the auditorium project.

Overall for the resort at the moment,she says, is more for the upscale traveller.

Mrs Scott said they were happy to be part of the tourism expo.

Tonight is the closing of the expo by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Land and Mineral Resources, Faiyaz Koya, at the Fiji Marriott Resort, Momi Bay.

EDITED BY: IVAMERE NATARO