The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will debut its Crowne Plaza brand here as Fiji’s largest hotel after signing a management agreement with Quantum Hi-Tech Group Limited.
Construction of the 453-room Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi is taking shape by the Hong Kong-headquartered company’s local subsidiary, SGV Pacific Properties Group Limited.
One of the world’s largest hotel chains, the IHG first opened doors here in 2009 with the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa at Natadola Beach, which firmly established itself as a luxury, award-winning property on the tourism market.
“As the most popular travel destination in the South Pacific, the islands of Fiji accounts for close to 40 per cent of travel to the South Pacific, a figure that continues to grow annually,” noted Rajit Sukumaran, Chief Development Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) for the IHG.
This newest venture will open doors in 2020.
“In 2017 alone, Fiji recorded an increase of 7.8 percent in the number of international travellers visiting the country. This strong growth potential represents a key opportunity for us to introduce the Crowne Plaza brand to Fiji.”
The IHG’s Crowne Plaza brand is specified towards upmarket business travellers and meetings and conventions, with this local property commanding direct beach access on the Nadi Bay waterfront, and a 10-minute drive from Nadi Airport, Fiji’s main international gateway.
“As the first resort in Fiji for the brand, Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach complements IHG’s existing portfolio of brands in the South Pacific, allowing us to better meet the different needs of travellers visiting the Fiji,” Sukamaran added.
“Guests can look forward to a truly immersive travel experience with the Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach, with such vast, pristine natural beauty that Wailoaloa offers. With panoramic ocean views, we invite guests to take in the exquisite wonders of the island from the comfort of the resort, whether in their rooms or in and around the resort.”
“With its prime beachfront location, leisure travellers will be able to unwind while enjoying unparalleled sunset views from one of the island’s finest beaches, right at their doorstep.”
Property features include five restaurant and bar offerings-including a pool bar and beach club, a fully-equipped fitness centre, two swimming pools, a Kids Club and conference centres that are expected to be some of the largest in the country.
Long home to a hub of backpacker and budget properties, Wailoaloa has in recent times been the centre of more upmarket inventory, such as the Wyndham-managed Ramada Suites Smugglers Cove Fiji by Mark and Janice Hinton, the Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa by the Gokal Group of Companies’ subsidiary Travel World Resort Limited, and private residential enclave Palm Beach by the Punja family and Australian investors, all of which are all underway