A ‘BOOM’ in tourist numbers is driving high occupancy at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji. However, staff shortage remains a challenge for the five-star luxury resort.
Shangri-La management said it is experiencing one of its strongest tourism years, recording occupancy levels of more than 90 per cent and, at times, exceeding full capacity.
General manager Francis Lee said the resort had been “blessed from the beginning of the year,” with strong arrivals from Australia, New Zealand, and growing numbers from the United States, Canada, Japan and China.
However, he said the surge in visitor numbers had also highlighted a wider industry challenge — Fiji’s accommodation shortage.
“There are days when we simply don’t have enough rooms,” he said. “We need more hotels, but large-scale developments take at least three to five years. It cannot happen overnight.”
Mr Lee said the industry was also struggling with a shortage of skilled workers, as many experienced hospitality staff continued to take up opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s getting harder to retain people,” he said.
“But many will return with new experience and skills that will benefit Fiji in the long run.”
Despite labour pressures, he said the resort still enjoyed strong loyalty from surrounding villages, with some families working across two generations.
Tourist couple mingle with locals at Shangri-La Yanuca Picture: SERAN DEVI
