Tag: fiji islands

  • Iconic hotel expands to meet surging demand

    Iconic hotel expands to meet surging demand

    Fiji Gateway Hotel is expanding its offerings with the construction of a new two-storey accommodation building, designed to cater to the increasing demand from travellers transiting through Nadi.

    The expansion project of the most convenient airport hotel in the region, begins this month (September 2024), and is expected to be completed by October 2025.

    The development will add 47 new guest rooms and suites, including 44 Deluxe Rooms and three Two-Bedroom Suites, all offering rural views and modern comforts. The Deluxe Rooms will feature a King bed and a fold-out sofa, making them ideal for both leisure and business travellers, while the Two-Bedroom Suites, equipped with two Queen beds, will provide ample space for families, corporate guests and conference attendees.

    An artist impression of the new accommodation building underway at Fiji Gateway Hotel in Nadi.

    Lee Pearce, CEO of Raffe Hotels and Resorts, the parent company of Fiji Gateway Hotel, emphasised that the new accommodations will further enhance the hotel’s appeal to both leisure and business guests.

    “Fiji Gateway Hotel has consistently operated at high occupancy,” said Mr. Pearce. “With surging demand and record visitor numbers for destination Fiji, we recognised the need to expand our inventory. Our strategic location and tropical aesthetic make us a top choice for travellers, particularly those visiting the group’s other properties, Plantation Island Resort and Lomani Island Resort in the Mamanucas Islands. Thanks to Raffe Group’s commitment to Fiji tourism, we’re excited to bring these new rooms to life by mid-spring 2025.”

    Often described as an ‘old-world colonial oasis,’ Fiji Gateway Hotel boasts two swimming pools, a tennis court, a gymnasium, conference facilities, a boutique store, a mini day-spa, a restaurant, a bar, and even a casual poolside café for morning bites and coffee. Its greatest asset, however, remains its unbeatable location directly across the road from Fiji’s busiest airport and just 8km from Nadi town.

    The new building will be strategically located on an unused section of the property, ensuring minimal disruption to the hotel’s existing character and guest experience. The expansion will see the hotel grow from 95 to 135 rooms next year, with plans to decommission several older rooms as part of this contemporary update. Following the completion of the new block, some older outdated rooms will be removed to allow for fresh landscaping and new pathways, seamlessly connecting the new rooms with the hotel’s main reception and dining areas.

    Mr Pearce said, “Fiji has experienced a surge in visitor numbers in recent years, continuing its remarkable growth into 2024, with further increases in key months such as June and July. This growth underscores Fiji’s enduring appeal as a premier travel destination, making the timing of our expansion at Fiji Gateway Hotel particularly significant.

    “Growth in Fiji’s tourism sector has also led to increased investor confidence, driving projects like the hotel’s expansion, which in turn contributes positively to the local economy and supports the broader tourism industry that so many in our community rely on.”

    Source: Fiji Gateway Hotel
    #explorefiji #FijiIslands #tourism #destinationfiji #explorefijionline #fijigatewayhotel #nadi

  • History made at Corona Fiji Pro

    History made at Corona Fiji Pro

    Words & photos by Peter ‘Joli’ Wilson

    NADI * Aug 25th, 2024

    The 2024 Corona Fiji Pro presented by Bonsoy wrapped up yesterday at Cloudbreak with American Griffin Colapinto and Canadian Erin Brooks victorious.

    It was the first time since 2017 a World Championship Tour event had been held in Fiji, exciting competitors and fans globally who welcomed its return to the iconic location, considered one of the best left-hand point breaks in the world.

    With a 12-day waiting period contest organisers were able to pick the perfect days to run the event with waves ranging from 2 meters plus on Thursday (Aug. 22nd) through to 1.5 meters for Saturday’s final day.

    Griffin Colapinto (USA) putting on a show at Cloudbreak. Joliphotos

    There were 24 elite surfers in the men’s draw including 11-time World Champion, the GOAT Kelly Slater (USA), John John Florence (Hawaii), and two 2024 Olympic medalists Jack Robinson (Australia) who won Silver and Gabriel Medina (Brazil) who won Bronze.

    On the women’s side of 12 surfers, they included Olympic Silver Medalist Tatiana Weston-Webb (Brazil) and Olympians Molly Picklum (Australia) and Johanne Defay (France).

    The contest provided the stage for an incredible display of high-action surfing each day and delivered a number of firsts at this top level.

    Canadian wildcard Erin Brooks earns historic win. Joliphotos

    17-year-old Erin Brooks’ win was the first World Championship event victory for a Canadian surfer while a standout all-event, Rio Waida, made history, becoming the first Indonesian surfer to compete in a World Championship final. It was definitely an international finals with Colapinto from mainland USA and Weston-Webb from Brazil.

    Rio Waida (left) and Griffin Colapinto with their tanoa trophies. Joliphotos

    The success of the event and the international recognition received for Fiji has been backed up by an announcement confirming the World Tour Surfing Finals will be held at Cloudbreak each year till at least 2026.

    The opening ceremony at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay in Nadi was held a day ahead of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour’s return to the pristine waves of Cloudbreak for the 2024 Corona Fiji Pro Presented by Bonsoy. Joliphotos

  • Corona Fiji Pro 2024

    Corona Fiji Pro 2024

    SUVA * August 20th 2024

    There’s a wave of excitement as the world’s most epic surf event kicks off today in Fiji’s world-class Mamanuca playground.  

    The Corona Fiji Pro 2024 has surfing legends going head-to-head at the iconic Cloudbreak, one of the planet’s favourite waves and champions will be crowned.

    Surfers from left: Griffin Colapinto, Ramzi Boukhiam and Jordy Smith at the Corona Fiji Pro 2024 official opening ceremony at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. Photos: JoliPhotos.

    The 10-day event will see the world’s top surfers conquer the flawless lefts of Cloudbreak; and promises to be a spectacular showdown of style and skill, serving as the grand finale of the 2024 World Surf League season.

    According to renowned surf photographer Peter Joli Wilson: “there’s a lot on the line at this comp with only two surfers, John John and Caity Simmers qualified for the finals leaving 8 other spots up for grabs, it’s going to be interesting as it’s the last chance to clinch a spot in the Final Five to compete for a World Title next month at Lower Trestles”.

    Live Streaming

    Watch the heats live streamed at Port Denarau on Denarau from Thursday, Aug. 22nd to Sunday Aug. 25th. Experience a festival-style event with food, drinks, entertainment and giveaways. Open to international visitors and locals, alike.

  • FJ taking off to Dallas in December      

    FJ taking off to Dallas in December      

    Fiji’s national airline Fiji Airways has announced plans to launch new flights between Nadi (NAN) and Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) in the U.S. state of Texas.

    The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on 10th December 2024*, with special introductory fares now available for purchase on Fiji Airways’ website: fijiairways.com  

    Fiji Airways’ new route will connect travellers with an additional 247 destinations through one of the busiest travel hubs in the world. Dallas is known for famous sports teams, world-class museums, thriving arts scene, frozen margaritas, BBQ, and much more.

    Fiji Airways’ A350. Photo: Fiji Airways.

    The new non-stop 13-hour service will operate three times per week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; utilising Fiji Airways’ state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft. The aircraft will feature 301 economy class seats, which recently won Best Economy Class in Australia and Pacific at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards 2024, and 33 business class lie-flat, all aisle access, seats.

    Dallas will be Fiji Airways’ 24th international direct destination and will be the fifth North American port served by the airline, along with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver. 

    With a host of possibilities for two-way tourism, the Dallas service marks the first time Fiji will be directly linked with North America beyond the west coast.

    The Dallas route comes as Fiji Airways prepares to become a full member of oneworld Alliance next year and joining American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program. Flyers will be able to fully earn and use frequent flyer miles with Fiji Airways, American Airlines and other oneworld partners.

    * Flights to, from or via Dallas are subject to US Government regulatory approvals.      

       

  • Sea Turtle Nesting Paradise

    Sea Turtle Nesting Paradise

    By Katy Fatiaki, Director – Vatuvara Foundation

    Many of the islands we have explored in Fiji’s northern Lau remain much as they were during
    the days of early discovery – untouched and unparalleled in beauty.

    Four out of seven of the world’s marine turtle species have been documented in Fiji waters,
    the critically endangered hawksbill turtles and endangered green turtles are the most
    prevalent to nest and forage in the country.

    Green sea turtle found in northern Lau. ©ZoomFiji

    From October to April, sea turtles make their way back to beaches on these remote islands where they were born to lay their eggs. Sea turtles typically lay multiple clutches each season containing an average of 120 eggs, depending on the species. Hatchlings will emerge from their nests after an incubation period of six to eight weeks; then head to the ocean. On average only one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings make it to adulthood.

    Vatuvara Foundation team conducting surveys. ©ZoomFiji

    Our survey boat glides over the clear lagoonal waters, on board our trained Vatuvara
    Foundation turtle team on their way to conduct nesting beach patrols along the coral sand
    beaches. Since 2022, the Vatuvara Foundation funded by Irish Aid, in partnership with the
    Yacata Island community, along with Ika Bula Consultants and Amanzi-wai, has been
    actively carrying out sea turtle population assessments in northern Lau. Determining the
    presence of sea turtle nests and collecting population data can improve an understanding
    of population size and conservation measures for management in Fiji.

    The first assessments of northern Lau sites have confirmed nesting grounds for both green
    and hawksbill turtles. The high number of nests recorded during the two consecutive
    seasons, shows how important these nesting grounds are for Fiji’s sea turtle population. If
    continued to be monitored and protected, it will contribute towards population recovery of
    both species.

    Hawksbill hatchlings found during the first nesting season.
    ©Vatuvara Foundation

    The Vatuvara Foundation was founded in 2017 as a local charitable trust in northern Lau, our
    conservation efforts include scientific research, education, awareness, community
    capacity building, marine monitoring, vulnerable species protection, restoration
    programmes, sustainable tourism activities, building climate resiliency and natural disaster
    management. Working in partnership with Vatuvara Private Islands , an exclusive resort
    located on Kaibu Island in northern Lau, demonstrates a sustainable model for how
    conservation and tourism can unite to support research, environment and community.

    Pristine waters of northern Lau. ©ZoomFiji

    We identified these Lauan beaches as major nesting sites years ago, and we continue to
    prioritise their monitoring for habitat protection. Nesting beach surveys are the most widely
    implemented monitoring tool to assess and monitor the status of sea turtle populations. Our
    local survey team monitor nesting beaches day and night during the season to identify
    tracks, mark nests, encounter hatchlings and nesting females, and examine nests.

    Know Your Sea Turtles (Vonu)

    The Vatuvara Foundation team has created an informative ‘Know Your Sea Turtles’ poster that highlights the species of Fiji, its life cycle, current regulations, threats to the species and solutions. Available in English and the iTaukei language, the poster provides sea turtle conservation awareness and is available for distribution to communities, schools, and youth groups.

    Vatuvara Foundation

    www.vatuvara.org

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