Let's Go Local: Surf Resort Introduces Local Rates, Kids Get Classes
Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort offers surfing classes for children between the ages five to 18 years.
Saturday 22 August 2020 | 15:51
Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort is a self sufficient certified tourism destination, famed for surfing.
Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort located in Vunaniu Village, Serua, plans to offer local rates for September.
It is a historic move to the resort since the resort opened in 2007.
The surfing resort closed in March, following the coronavirus pandemic.
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From 28 workers, the resort was forced to reduce its workforce to two people.
The resort was built by owners Brian and Donna McDonald.
Mrs McDonald said the resort has not generated any revenue since March, 2020.
Overseas market
Mrs McDonald said 95 per cent of guests were from Australia and New Zealand and made direct bookings for the year and next year.
The other travellers come through travel agents in Australia and America, she said.
The couple refunded all deposits as COVID-19 closed international borders.
Mrs MacDonald said: “Before COVID-19, our international guests were paying $600 a night per person, all inclusive of three meals a day, with all activities such as surfing and fishing.
“Local rates before COVID-19 were $350 a person a night,” she said.
“Now, we have come up with $250 for two people, a night including meals.
“This rate is applicable for September.”
Surf class
Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort offers surfing classes for children between the ages five to 18 years.
Sustainability
Mrs McDonald said Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort is the first resort in the world to be a certified sustainable surf resort.
The certification dates back to 2014, she said.
“We are totally sustainable, we have our own solar system, and we are off the grid, we get nothing from Fiji Water or Energy Fiji Limited (EFL).”
The resort has 120 solar panels, six bures, and 12 rooms, which can accommodate 24 guests.
Feedback: lusiana.tuimaisala@fijisun.com.fj
