It was a big weekend for many resorts around the country, as they finally re-opened to guests, after a two-year lull caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, a special celebration signifying its five-year journey, took place on Saturday.

Along with the celebration was the Momi Bay Sunset Series, an innovative event which captured famous beach destinations across the world.

The award-winning property in picturesque was officially opened on April 8, 2017.

It has come a long way since.

Many reasons to celebrate Resort General Manager, Silvano Dressino, who has been at the helm since the resort opened, said there were many reasons to celebrate.

“The first three years since opening were very positive, because it’s such a beautiful hotel in a beautiful country, with more than 300 islands,” he said.

“I’m very grateful that I was here from the start, to open the hotel with such beautiful people.”

“And we have seen lots of awards, like the Best Hotel in Fiji in 2021, by the Australian HM Hotel magazine.”

“We have been featured by The New York Times as one of the destinations to travel to, so we’ve had a lot of successes.”

“We also had a lot of opportunities to support our landowning communities, and the local communities during those two years.”

Sister Properties
The resort and its sister properties set up a programme to give back to the village communities, particularly after the impact of the pandemic.

The sister properties are:
–  Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort, and

-The Westin Denarau Island Resort.

The latter is closed for renovations.
Present at the milestone event were Tui Malolo, Ratu Kini Vosailagi, and Fiji National Provident Fund investment officer Isoa Makutu.

Travel appetite – optimistic
Mr Dressino said the occupancy levels were looking very promising this season.

More than 80 per cent occupancy rate was recorded over the week.

“We are looking at our numbers against 2019, and we see more discretionary spending from customers,” Mr Dressino said.

“Most guests couldn’t travel for two years, especially from Australia, and I think they saved a little bit of money.”

“They are booking more of the higher room categories, and have spent more on food and beverage.”

Changes since five years
“The most prolific changes was to operate in COVID-safe practices,” Mr Dressino said.

“Thanks to Tourism Fiji and the Ministry of Health (and Medical Services), Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) protocols were put in place.”

“In such a beautiful hotel and relatively new, there was not so much to change.”

“We introduced Marriott (in Fiji) through our service culture.”

“When paired with the Bula spirit, it made a perfect mix to attract so many guests.”

“The journey was a very successful one.”

“And now after the border reopening, we see the great response of tourists mainly from Australia and the United States.”

Restaurants
The resort offers six uniquely cultured Food and Beverage spots:
– Goji Kitchen and Bar,

– Fish Bar,

– Lagoon House and Bar,

– Lagoon Lounge,

– Fiji Baking Company, and

– Voi Voi Bar.

Accommodation type
The 250 rooms include:
– overwater bure villas, and

– duplex ocean front, and

– lagoon bure villas.

The Fiji National Provident Fundowned property, managed by Marriott International Inc, offers some 400 employment opportunities.

A majority of the workforce are are from the local communities near the resort.

Since the re-opening, 220 workers have returned to work.

More locals were expected to be employed by the resort, towards the July-August peak seaso, Mr Dressino said.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj