Fijians sometimes underestimate the power they have in their friendliness and culture, the two major components that draw a lot of tourists to Fiji.

Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa General manager Vincent Macquet said nowhere else in the world would one get to experience this, which he said was genuine.

“If we are to fully realise that, then Fiji would see a lot more tourists arriving on our shores.”

Mr Macquet said he for one had travelled around to a lot of countries and was struck by the friendliness of the Fijian people.

“I think Fiji has a lot to offer and I have always said that since I arrived in 2017.”

“Fiji has got a welcoming aspect to the visitors, a very stable economy and landscape, very family friendly and a spectrum of offering where you can go from Islands to mainland for an array of tourist destinations.”

“On one holiday you can experience various aspects of Fiji and all that put together makes Fiji a much more compelling offering then the Maldives or Thailand or Bali.”

Mr Macquet said these destinations were currently facing some great challenges in as far as natural disasters like tsunamis.

“We have an offering that is far more stable and authentic.”

“The best years of Fiji are ahead.”

He said the resort was currently undergoing a refurbishment process and its owners BSP Life and Fiji Airways have a great interest in the hotel and do believe that there is a bright future for Fiji.

“If you look at the level of investment, the change that we will bring to Fiji after our refurbishment we are looking at flying in DJs or bands every month from Australia and New Zealand and we are also looking at guest chefs coming every month also.

“It is not only to excite our international guests but a lot of locals as I said enjoy great food and enjoy great evening entertainment.”

Mr Macquet said Sofitel enjoyed a great year and it had been the best year ever and attributed that to the great work that Fiji Airways has done over the last few years.

“This gives us a lot of confidence heading into 2019 and with that level of capital investment we believe that the best years for Fiji are ahead of us and not behind us.

“2019 looks promising for our hotels.

“We have some great events and announcements and we will be partaking with local newspapers spreading the word on what we are doing.”

The first of the resort’s refurbishment will finish at the end of April

Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj