As the fast paced tourism industry continues to grow, hoteliers across the country are scrambling to increase Fiji’s inventory of rooms to meet the large inflow of visitors from traditional and emerging markets.
One such development is the $200 million Vatutalei or the Jewel by Richmond Ltd, the owners of Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.
While launching the construction work for the project, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Vatutalei would complement the offerings of Sofitel Fiji Resort and set the way forward to attract more hotel developers to Fiji.
“Richmond’s confidence will be visible as the Jewel takes shape,” he said.
“There is a signal here that will encourage other visitors.
“I know that the Coalition Government’s proactive support for developers has helped consolidate Richmond’s commitment.”
He said while Richmond Ltd had stepped up to increase Fiji’s demand for rooms, a second development would soon be underway in the Coral Coast.
“I was having a discussion with an hotelier in the Coral Coast and their plans to also expand and that is encouraging.”
He said the developer was the Warwick Group which was in the process of increasing their capacity. The Prime Minister said the demand for rooms was sparked by the ongoing expansion plans of the national airline, Fiji Airways.
“Fiji Airways successor to Air Pacific is following an ambitious expansion program to capitlise on tourism growth prospects not only in Fiji, not only in the Pacific but worldwide.
“From the start of the year to the end of July, the airline had carried 978,000 return trip passengers.
“I am waiting for the day when Andre will call me to come and celebrate the 1millionth visitor.”
