InterContinental Hotels and Resorts will double its flagship brand presence in Fiji by 2022, signing a management agreement to operate the country’s colonial Grand Pacific Hotel.
The historic Suva property, owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), is highly revered in Fiji, so much so that it appears on the country’s ten-dollar note. Having been built in 1914 and reopening 100 years later with restored colonial architecture, the property will undergo a refurbishment before rebranding as InterContinental Grand Pacific Hotel Suva in 2022.
Once open under its new branding, the hotel will become IHG’s fourth property in Fiji, joining InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort in Natadola Bay, Holiday Inn Suva and Six Senses Fiji on Malolo Island in the IHG stable.
IHG Vice President Development – Australasia, Pacific and Japan, Abhijay Sandilya, said it was a great honour to take on the management of the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH).
“We are committed to retaining the heritage and grandeur of, while adding all the world-famous elements of InterContinental’s ‘True Hospitality’ experience,” he said.
“When the borders re-open, GPH will be ready to welcome back all those guests who know it so well, as well as those who are so familiar with IHG and the InterContinental brand.”
Sandilya added the company was eager to play its part in rebuilding Fiji’s tourism industry when guests are able to return once again.
“We truly value our long-standing relationship with Fiji National Provident Fund and look forward to adding InterContinental Grand Pacific Hotel Fiji to our existing portfolio together, which includes Holiday Inn Suva and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa.”
FNPF Chief Investment Officer, Viliame Vodonaivalu, said the property will be central to Fiji’s recovery as a tourist destination when the borders reopen.
“With a lower traveller footprint due to the global crisis, we are taking the opportunity to bring forward the refurbishment of this hotel, bringing it to life in a new way ready for the next era of tourism in Fiji,” Vodonaivalu said.
“We have a fantastic partnership with IHG, and we recognise the need for a partner like IHG with its global footprint, powerful systems and loyal customer base that will help attract guests back to Fiji.”
Located harbourside on Suva’s Victoria Parade, the hotel is owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund and features a variety of all-day and specialty dining restaurants and bars, a 600sqm ballroom, club lounge, meeting rooms, fitness centre, swimming pool and spa.
Numerous members of the Royal Family have visited over the years, including three visits by Queen Elizabeth II and most recently in 2018 by the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan.