Fijian Tourism Expo 2023

Fiji goes from strength to strength

by Fran McDermott

It was a pleasure to be back on the ground at the Fijian Tourism Expo 2023, held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort. As always, Tourism Fiji hosted a wonderful event. There was a real buzz of energy, with attendees celebrating the resilience and growth of Fiji's wider tourism industry. There's something special about the spirit of the people here; their determination and ambition were on full display during the expo.

Setting the scene.

The Fijian Tourism Expo 2023 kicked off with a burst of energy, full of engaging updates and announcements from both Tourism Fiji and other industry representatives. The morning briefing began with Brent Hill, the CEO of Tourism Fiji, presenting several key achievements — each reflecting the strong resurgence of Fiji's tourism sector since re-opening.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Since its borders reopened, Fiji has welcomed over 900,000 visitors and was gearing up to celebrate the arrival of the one-millionth tourist who was expected to arrive late May or early June.

Tourist spending also exceeded expectations, reaching an impressive $3.55 billion, pushing the value of the visitor economy to a robust $2 billion. Figures also showed that guests are spending more time enjoying their stay in Fiji - the average length of stay has increased to 9.7 nights. Moreover, guest satisfaction rates are standing strong at 93%.

Australian visitor numbers have been particularly robust, and new routes have been established with Wellington, Christchurch, Adelaide, Canberra, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Tokyo – further boosting Fiji's global reach.

Other developments.

Noteworthy developments also included the reopening of markets in China and Japan, the launch of bi-weekly flights to Canberra starting in July, and plans for additional weekly flights to Hong Kong in August and September. The anticipated arrival of two new A350s for Fiji Airways has the potential to generate significant revenue.

There's substantial investment on the ground, too, with new properties being developed and several significant announcements expected in the near future.

A bright future.

Fiji's tourism industry is in great shape and continues to expand. Moving forward, there will be numerous opportunities around sustainability, MICE, sports tourism, transit, luxury, and surf and dive sectors. Indeed, the future is exciting.

Crowne Plaza set to enter Fiji

IHG Hotels & Resorts has recently signed an agreement that will welcome the Crowne Plaza brand to the shores of Fiji - further expanding IHG's Fiji portfolio to five hotels. Formerly the Pullman Nadi Bay, the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is set to open in late 2023 after undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation. Led by well-known interior design firm P49 DEESIGN, known for their work on the Kimpton Kitalay Samui in Thailand, the resort is being transformed into an exceptional example of the Crowne Plaza brand.

The resort's existing 324 rooms are set to be revitalised, with the addition of new two-bedroom family rooms and ocean-facing king suites expected to be the standout attractions. The hotel will also introduce a luxurious day spa with six double treatment rooms, and a new convention centre, capable of accommodating 600 guests. Foodies will enjoy Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay's epicurean precinct, featuring seven dining outlets ranging from an all-day dining restaurant to a lively nightclub. These venues have been designed in collaboration with the renowned food and beverage consultancy Blue Salt.

This addition to the IHG's Fijian portfolio, which includes prestigious hotels such as the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa and the Grand Pacific Hotel, will enhance the group's presence in Nadi, Fiji’s key tourism hub.

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort: Feet in Sand Ritual

One new highlight at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort is the "Feet in Sand Ritual" at the Tatavu Grill and Bar. This dining experience, deeply rooted in Fijian culture and elements of water, fire, sand, and sky, allows guests to partake in the traditional custom of barefoot dining. Post-meal, guests are treated to a soothing floral footbath. Tatavu Grill and Bar also launched its own website, www.tatavufiji.com, where guests can explore the menu and make reservations.

GM of the Year Award: Charles Homsy shines at Radisson Blu Fiji

Radisson Blu Resort Fiji is delighted to announce that Charles Homsy, the Resort General Manager has been honoured with the prestigious General Manager of the Year 2022 award. The recognition was bestowed upon Mr. Homsy during the Radisson Hotel Group South-East conference. The distinguished award celebrates Mr. Homsy's outstanding achievements, unwavering dedication, and exceptional leadership skills.

Under Charles Homsy's guidance, Radisson Blu Resort Fiji has achieved unprecedented milestones and surpassed key performance metrics, solidifying its position as a prominent player in the industry. Through his effective management strategies, Mr. Homsy has enhanced operational efficiency, optimized customer satisfaction, and fostered an environment of collaboration and teamwork.

The accolade not only highlights Mr. Homsy's accomplishments but also acknowledges the unwavering support and trust placed in him by the company's owners. The visionary leadership of the Owner's and the entire management team has been pivotal in creating an environment that fosters innovation, encourages growth, and rewards excellence. Their continuous guidance and commitment to providing the necessary resources have empowered Mr. Homsy to thrive in his role.