New Hotel And Investments In The Pipeline

The demand for investments has consistently hit a ceiling on the availability of hotel rooms and accommodation through the year.

Tourism Fiji chief executive officer, Brent Hill has ensured that new hotels and resorts would generate significant investment benefits.

Mr Hill said the Fiji Tourism Investment Summit held last year was an opportunity to invite key investors local and international, and hotel brands and management companies, to discuss their development projects.

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

The new Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is a large-scale resort in Nadi, close to the airport which will provide more than 300 rooms.

The multimillion-dollar project, owned by Jay Singh, a former Fijian citizen now based in the United States is poised to redefine the region’s hospitality landscape.

Mr Hill said this would help in leisure, conference and business markets.

“It will also bring more food options and more conference and meeting facilities in time, which is important and vital as we seek to bring more groups and conferences into Fiji.

It also really lifts the offering of Wailoaloa, and helps that precinct,” he said.

The Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, previously known as the Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa Fiji, would be a “destination in itself”.

It will feature a new day spa, a two-story kids area, seven restaurants, and the Pacific’s only whiskey bar, in addition to some very nice accommodations.

The Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is set to have a soft launch early next year.

Mr Hill said this initial phase allowed locals to experience the resort firsthand before its global debut in early 2024.

Other projects

The Hilton Garden Inn Suva and Wananavu Beach Resort developments are progressing well.

“Suva has a real lack of quality accommodation, and we have seen that with the number of events in Suva this past year, where pricing for the 4-4.5-star properties has really soared due to high demand and a lack of availability,” Mr Hill said.

He said the Hilton Garden Inn was a product that Suva needed, and that Wananavu Beach Resort, when completed, would be an exciting project since it will transport tourists up to the gorgeous Sun Coast and help build that portion of Fiji alongside established stars such as Volivoli Resort.

“Wananavu promises several quality options and a drawcard to that area.

It’s one we are really looking forward to promoting.

Great that both these projects are through local investors too,” he said.

Mr Hill also said there were more upcoming investment projects through 2024-26.

“We’re working with Investment Fiji to try and get sustainable projects through as quickly as we can through our processes, to meet that demand,” he said.

In 2024, there will be several interesting announcements on tourism reinvestment!

We require the investment since we will be limited if we do not have more rooms and possibilities.”

He said Tourism Fiji was working closely with Investment Fiji to support property investments that would benefit tourism in Fiji and the Pacific.

AHICE

The Asia-Pacific Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) had met the calibre of guests from major hotel brands to key investors in May last year, where Fiji was into the consideration set of those thinking of investing. Mr Hill said over 1500 pax attended, so it was a great opportunity for Investment Fiji and Tourism Fiji to be there,” he said.

“Investors have a lot of options globally.

For them to consider Fiji, we learnt they are attracted by our yield opportunity and occupancy, and that sustainability matters – they do really care about and factor this into any decisions.”

He also said there was a real need for new hotels and accommodation – particularly valued options for business and conferences.

“They have done really well and will continue to, it’s a great hotel with some great dining options too,” Mr Hill said.

With the growth in hotel rooms, he also said Tourism Fiji ensured a balance with sustainable tourism practices.

Feedback: shreeya.verma@fijisun.com.fj