A LARGE-SCALE cleanup initiative on Natadola Beach in Nadi led by staff and management of InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa early this month removed over 700kg of litter from the beach.
The clean up drive was part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global sustainability programme “Journey to Tomorrow” and also in support of Tourism Fiji’s call for visitors and locals to “Bin It or Bag It.”
“At a time when responsible travel is shaping the choices of global travellers, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa has stepped forward as a custodian of one of Fiji’s greatest assets: Natadola Beach,” the company said in a statement.
“(The) large-scale clean-up saw colleagues, community members, and the leadership team remove over 700 kilograms of litter and debris in just a few hours, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to protecting the environment that defines the Fijian travel experience.”
Natadola is a public beach and a favourite for picnics and gatherings, but much of the litter left behind puts pressure on local ecosystems and threatens Fiji’s pristine reputation.
“Our colleagues see themselves as custodians of Natadola Beach, caring for it not only for our guests but for the local community and future generations,” IHG Hotels & Resorts regional general manager – Fiji & Pacific Lachlan Walker said. “While the beach is enjoyed by many, too much waste is being left behind.
“Collecting over 700 kilograms of litter in one morning shows the scale of the challenge, but also the power of collective action.
“The solution lies in everyone playing their part. We also support Tourism Fiji’s simple call to action – if you can’t bin it, bag it, and take it home,” Mr Walker said.
Beyond large-scale efforts, the resort continues to integrate sustainability into guest and community experiences through ‘Loloma Hour’, a weekly programme focused on giving back.
Its one weekly initiative Litter for Latte rewards participants who collect a bag of rubbish with a complimentary coffee, turning a simple gesture into a meaningful act of stewardship.
The ‘Natadola Beach Clean Up’ is a continuing step in the resorts’ ongoing commitment to ‘Journey to Tomorrow’, ensuring that Fiji’s beaches remain clean, safe and beautiful for generations to come, while encouraging locals and visitors alike to protect the country’s natural treasures.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated August 26, 2025