A major $15 million upgrade has begun taking shape at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa on Yanuca Island on the Coral Coast.
Works have begun on the Beach Bar n Grill Restaurant at the sea front, the main lobby and reception area as well as their new laundry.
Resort general manager, Craig Powell, said: “The Beach Bar n Grill won’t finish till beginning of October if everything stays on schedule.
“So once we finish the renovation, then it will be open.
“Will be embarking on the rooms programme and so we are doing about 180 lagoon rooms. The lobby will be ready by the middle of next month.”
He added they have finalised the concept of the Kalevu Convention Centre to be renovated towards the end of the renovation plan which is likely to begin next year
This project alone is estimated to be around $0.8 million to $1 million.
Resort occupancy
The resort is into the busiest months now so occupancy has been picking up but still behind with the bookings compared to the past year.
Mr Powell is confident the Rugby 7s Gold Medal Win at the Rio Olympics will push into place Fiji on the world map.
“It was an immerse contribution to push Fiji as a holiday destination,” he said.
“I think it was good timing as after the Tropical Cyclone Winston, there was a big injection from all the stakeholders to really put Fiji on the map.
“This restores confidence that Fiji is still a safe place to come to and a very important message to everyone the Fiji has a very different spice of life. You can find happiness, peace and harmony.”
But he said it was important at the same time to ensure we are not an expensive destination.
This article first appeared in the Fiji Sun on August 14, 2016.