IHG is set to bring its flagship Crowne Plaza brand to Fiji for the first time following a major signing with Wailoaloa Hotel Pte Ltd.

The business shared the announcement exclusively to Wayfarer during the 14th Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) this week.

Opening in late 2023, following a multi-million-dollar conversion and extension of the Pullman Nadi Bay, the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa will give IHG a dominant presence in the airport town of Nadi and take the group’s portfolio in Fiji to five hotels.

“Fiji holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of travellers from around the world, and we’re thrilled to be expanding our presence in Fiji and to be adding our globally recognised Crowne Plaza brand to the island,” said IHG’s Managing Director – Australasia & Pacific, Matt Tripolone.

“We’re honoured to be working with Jay Singh [CEO of Wailoaloa Hotel Pte Ltd] and his team to be able to bring their vision of creating a world-class dining, leisure and business precinct to life, is incredibly exciting, and we know the Crowne Plaza brand will do an exceptional job of delivering heartfelt Fijian hospitality.”

Along with a refresh of the existing 324 rooms, there will be a further 66 new two-bedroom family rooms and 16 ocean facing king suites added to the accommodation offering. The resort will also include a new day spa with six double treatment rooms, a new 600-seat convention centre, and seven dining outlets, including a lobby bar, whisky bar, all-day dining restaurant, Italian restaurant, beach club and a nightclub.

Working with prominent interior design firm P49 Deesign, the hotel promises to be a “world-class representation of the Crowne Plaza brand”.

“We are excited to work with IHG to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to Fiji, and are passionate about creating a brand-new destination for travellers to Nadi, with a thriving food, beverage, spa, conferencing and lifestyle precinct along this special stretch of beachfront in Nadi,” said Wailoaloa Hotel Pte Ltd CEO, Jay Singh.

“We are proud to be contributing to the growth of the tourism industry in Fiji, providing visitors with a world-class experience that will further enhance Fiji’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. We look forward to welcoming guests to this beautiful property.”

IHG’s other hotels on the island include InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Holiday Inn Suva, Six Senses Fiji and the Grand Pacific Hotel.