FIJI Gateway has turned 50.
A subsidiary of Raffe Hotels and Resorts, the Nadi-based property was one of the first tourist operators to open in Fiji.
Raffe Hotels and Resorts CEO Bradley Robinson said the resort had withstood the test of time.
“Competition has increased significantly over the past few years and it is, therefore, a great achievement that Gateway continues to please its loyal and returning customers while continuing to grow its customer base,” he said.
“Gateway has continued to adapt and evolve and the hotel has gone through many changes and improvements over the years.
“To be in this position today is indeed a great achievement.”
Director Reardon Raffe said the hotel held fond memories for the Raffe family.
“Growing up on Plantation Island Resort, we often commuted to the mainland by boat which took three to four hours and, as a result, mainland stays in Nadi became a necessary part of life.
“Fiji Gateway became a preferred property of my parents due to its great location, accessibility and close proximity to the Nadi International Airport.
“For us kids, the obvious highlights were the vintage sugarcane railway trains and it had the best milkshake in town.”
Motibhai Group of Companies chairman and CEO Kirit Patel said the company was proud to be associated with Fiji Gateway.
“It has been a privilege to be associated with the Raffe family and the hotel group. We find them to be reliable and very professional with the products that they have,” he said.
“They are a great value for money and they are very much treasured by locals and tourists alike.”
Tourism Fiji CEO Matthew Stoeckel congratulated the resort owners and management team on its achievements.
He said 1969 marked significant global changes that ultimately led to the establishment of the Fiji Visitors Bureau which was now Tourism Fiji.
“Despite all this change, one thing has been a constant, and that’s the Fiji Gateway Hotel,” he said.
