Managing Director of Spa Academy Fiji, Debra Sadranu believes that Fiji has the potential make its mark on the global market in spa tourism.

She made this statement during the launch of Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) Section Fiji in Nadi on Saturday evening.

CIDESCO is recognised as the world’s major international beauty therapy association and standard setter.

Its head office is in Switzerland.

CIDESCO Fiji will come under the Spa Academy Fiji which in 2016 had become CIDESCO accredited.

This year they gained the approval to have a section of CIDESCO in Fiji.

Ms Sadranu is also the managing director for Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre, Senikai Spas and Nama of Fiji.

“This has put us on the international platform for training beauty and spa, it is something that we can be proud of,” Ms Sadranu added.

Ms Sadranu said 80 per cent of resorts operate as resort and spa which was the key component in providing employment for spa therapists and local women.

“To have an arm of CIDESCO in Fiji is really something,” she added.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Industry, Tourism and Trade, Faiyaz Koya launched the CIDESCO Fiji  Section.

He praised Ms Sadranu for promoting Fiji’s spa tourism.

He added that it was a huge thing for Fiji and it would greatly benefit the spa tourism industry which was usually never acknowledged.

“We talk about other things when it comes to tourism but never talk about spa tourism and we never take it to the next level.

“This is exactly where it should be heading, this is a certification needed for us to take the industry forward,” Mr Koya said.

He added that spa therapy in Fiji was big and described Ms Sadranu as ‘Champion in the Spa Industry’ taking it to another level.

Ms Sadranu said stakeholders, hoteliers and spa therapists must work collectively to make Fiji the Top Spa Tourism Destination.

“We are competing with Bali, Thailand and other amazing Spa Tourism destinations. Fiji has amazing Resort Spa facilities,” she added.

CIDESCO Fiji would provide a quality assurance platform in line with international travelers.

Its endorsement provided Fijian hoteliers with a world class brand recognition that could be proudly marketed to give credibility and assurance to in house guests.

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