EVT will operate new Rydges Resort
The future Rydges Wailoaloa being developed by owners Hari Punja & Sons at Wailoaloa Beach is expected to open in late 2026, approvals and construction permitting. When it is complete, the property will be managed by Rydges. The resort will reflect the Rydges brand positioning of ‘refreshing local’ and will include over 250 rooms, a conference centre and what is claimed to be Fiji’s biggest swimming pool.
Mamanuca Environment Society gets grant
The Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) has received a World Surf league PURE grant. The grants are awarded to organisations whose work aligns with the WSL’s global initiative to protect and conserve the ocean. The WSL PURE grant will assist MES in enhancing waste management practices, advancing coral rehabilitation, and fostering greater community and tourist engagement through educational programs that aim to ensure the Mamanuca region remains a vibrant ecosystem for generations to come. Coral Gardeners, Tahiti was the other Pacific grant winner.
IHG’s Community Care Fund initiative
IHG’s three Fiji hotels have launched their Community Care Fund initiative to raise funds for organisations. To accelerate the progress made since it launched last July, the Grand Pacific Hotel will automatically include a voluntary $2 contribution per night in the billing of each guest. Organisations supported to date include the Frank Hilton Organization, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, and WOWS Kids Fiji.
Royal Davui refurbishes
The Royal Davui Island Resort in Beqa Lagoon is undergoing an extensive refurbishment.
Scheduled for completion in June 2024, the refurbishment work includes the villas, Banyan Bar & Restaurant, plunge pools and general spaces. The resort celebrates its 50 anniversary this year.
Partnership for sustainable tourism
The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association and Australia’s Market Development Facility have signed an MoU to support sustainable tourism in Fiji. It will see FHTA conduct an assessment among its members to better understand the current state of sustainable practices, their level of awareness and the demand for green certification.
TravMedia partners with South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2024
TravMedia is the international media partner for the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2024. With a global reach spanning nine countries, TravMedia’s alliance with SPTE24 is focused on innovation and excellence within the travel industry. The event, themed “Pacific Fusion: Celebrating Diverse Products and Cultures,” is set to take place in Nadi from May 4 – 5.
And finally
- Last month’s Melbourne Storm match in Lautoka injected approximately $6.15 million into the economy. Tourism Fiji says 900 people travelled from overseas to see the game. Look out for our report on sports tourism in the upcoming issue of Islands Business.
- The recently announced Challenge City mall development in Lautoka will include an 80-room, 4-star hotel.
- Forward booking data shows average hotel occupancy of 57% in March and 49% in April. Online searches are for length of stay of one night (36.6%) and 4-7 nights (35.3%).
