A Fijian who has built a successful business empire in United States of America (USA) has bought the troubled and closed Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa Fiji.

The new owner is Paradigm Group of companies, chief executive officer Ganendra Mangal Singh, also better known as Jay Singh.

He sealed the deal in October, a source close the transaction confirmed. This is a major boost for tourism development with Mr Singh’s own hospitality industry property success.

About Mr Singh
According to the Fiji Embassy in Washington DC website, Mr Singh was officially recognised by the United States as Fiji’s Honorary Consul in South San Francisco, California on February 25, 2015.

The website said: “Mr Singh was born in Fiji and migrated to the US with his family as a young man. Once in America, he found his home in IT for several years, working for “Fortune 500” companies and accumulating the necessary skills that would pave his road to entrepreneurial success.”

“During his time as a project manager, the opportunity to conduct feasibility studies for his various projects allowed him to hone in on his analytical skills and translate them for his own future investment ventures.”

“Mr Singh has built an admired real estate portfolio.”

“From humble beginnings in 1995, when he acquired his first hotel, until today, he has continued to add to this portfolio which includes: both boutique and franchise hotels, shopping centers and office and mixed use commercial properties all across California from Napa, Downtown San Francisco, and Silicon Valley to Santa Barbara.”

“In addition to his real estate investments, Mr. Singh has also been an angel investor in several startups.”

“Today, most of Mr Singh’s efforts are focused on future acquisitions, new developments, and start-ups.”

“He delegates the operation of his multiple hotel properties to an experienced and talented Management team who share in his long-term vision for Paradigm Group.”

“In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr Singh has become a well-known and respected ally and advisor to the Fijian community both here in the US and back at home.”

“New startups as well as cultural and social events and organisations have been the beneficiaries of his experience for over twenty years now.

“Mr Singh is currently, or in the past, served on several industries related boards and committees, CVBS and community organisations.

“Mr Singh holds a Bachelor’s Degree and currently resides with his wife and two children in Hillsborough, California, USA,” the website said.

Background
The Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa Fiji was initially developed by Travel World Resorts Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of the Gokal Group of Companies, in support of Government’s drive for tourism rooms.

The Pullman brand belongs to Accor Hotels and they had initially managed the resort for Gokals.

It opened in May 2019 at Wailoaloa Beach.

There are a number of well-established such operations there such as Aquarius, Smuggler’s Cove, Nadi Bay Resort, Blue Water Lodge, Club Fiji, Beachside Resort, Grand West Villas and Wailoaloa Beach Resort.

The resort closed after the economy faced a downturn in 2019, soon after Pullman Nadi Bay opened and then the hammer blow of COVID-19.

The developer’s primary financers were Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and HFC Bank.

The resort was first put up for sale, by the Gokal Group in June, 2019 and was being sold through Colliers International of New Zealand and local agents My Island Home Fiji of Nadi.

August last year, FDB advertised a mortgagee sale of the property.

Last year there were winding up applications filed in the Lautoka High Court by AK Lawyers against the resort developers over alleged outstanding payments.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj