Mana Island and the accompanying resort in the Mamanuca Group have been sold to Japanese property investment firm Rex Holdings Pty Ltd, who are looking to further job creation in the region.
The deal, assisted by Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia’s impact investment manager Leata Alaimoana-Roberts, comes at an ideal time as the Blue Pacific looks to revive its post-pandemic tourism industry.
Employing more than 150 staff, this figure is expected to grow in coming months, with Rex Holdings committed to ensuring ample job creation in a post-pandemic environment.
With over 15 years hotel management experience in Vanuatu, director of Rex Holdings Pty Ltd Hiro Osuka said the acquisition of Mana Island Resort and Spa is a clear reflection of their business strategy.
“With Rex Holdings’ esteemed reputation as outstanding stewards of the properties and places in which it invests, our strategic shift into the Fijian market will not only diversify our management resources, but also contribute to the hospitality industry in-country while further enhancing cross-cultural communication between Fiji and Japan,” Osuka said.
“We look forward to working alongside local partners towards sustainable development growth across the Pacific region.”
Alaimoana-Roberts of PTI Australia said: “It is through commercial opportunities like these that we are able to encourage jobs and further investment into the region, while acting as a major driver for impact on both an economic and community level. There is immense potential for growth within this space and we are proud to have been able to support Rex Holdings on this journey.”
Secure under new ownership, the resort will continue to be operated by local staff, while ongoing resort operations will reportedly remain unaffected by the sale.
