SUVA, FIJI (OCTOBER 7, 2015) – Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the signing of a management contract with Fund Trust Joint Venture, set up by majority shareholder iTaukei Trust Fund and minority shareholder Methodist Church Holdings Trust, to develop Park Inn® by Radisson Fiji Suva. This is the second Carlson Rezidor hotel in Fiji, following Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island, which is also jointly owned by iTaukei Trust Fund, an investment entity established by the Fijian government. Park Inn by Radisson Fiji Suva is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2018.
“We are excited to grow our partnership with iTaukei Trust Fund as we expand Carlson Rezidor’s presence in Australasia (Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands), beginning with Fiji’s capital of Suva, the hub for regional businesses operating in the Pacific Islands,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. “Park Inn by Radisson Fiji Suva underscores our renewed commitment to Australasia, which is a key sub-region for Carlson Rezidor in Asia Pacific. To optimize the potential of Australasia as an engine of growth, our dedicated Australasia development team is rolling out plans to introduce new brands to the market.”
Park Inn by Radisson Fiji Suva is the first NexGen Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Australasia and also the first international midscale hotel in Suva. It is well positioned to capture the corporate segment and the growing demand in the leisure travel segment. In the first quarter of this year, 380,870 tourists visited the Pacific Island countries, a 7.1% increase compared to the same period last year, with Fiji leading the pack with the lion’s share of 143,447 visitors¹. Fiji’s major tourism source markets include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Park Inn by Radisson Fiji Suva is a 130-key new build hotel located within walking distance of the main street, the wharf and the city’s main bus terminal. The hotel is located close to shopping malls, offices, banks, the headquarters of religious organizations, the European Union office and many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The hotel is served by Nausori International Airport, which is about 17km or a 30-minute drive away. As part of a master plan for the airport, a complete refurbishment exercise to upgrade the airport to a domestic and international air hub, is expected in the future. The airport currently has flights to key domestic and regional destinations, as well as major international destinations including Auckland, Port Vila and Sydney.
Park Inn by Radisson Fiji Suva will have an all-day dining restaurant and a lounge. To cater to demand from the MICE segment, the hotel’s meetings facilities will include a ballroom and meeting rooms. There will also be a fitness center and ample parking lots.
Carlson Rezidor’s NexGen Park Inn by Radisson is a midscale hotel brand that is dynamic, young and truly tuned in to what really matters to the modern consumer: a hassle-free experience, a good comfortable bed in a clean and safe environment, and touches of smart design. NexGen Park Inn by Radisson hotels are designed to offer guests Choice, Connectivity and Community at a price they are willing to pay. NexGen Park Inn by Radisson hotels can be found in capital cities and economic hubs, often close to city centers, airports and railway stations. There are six hotels currently in operation in Asia Pacific and with the signing of Park Inn by Radisson Fiji Suva, there are now 13 NexGen Park Inn by Radisson hotels under development in the region.
Carlson Rezidor’s operating portfolio in Australasia currently includes Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, Radisson Hotel & Suites Sydney, Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne and Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island.
For more information and development opportunities, please visit www.carlsonrezidor.com.
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¹South Pacific Tourism Organisation. http://spto.org/images/Resources/Quarter_1_2015_Quarterly_Review_of_Tourist_Arrivals_in_PICs_FINAL.docx.pdf
