InterContinental Hotels Group has announced that Fiji's Grand Pacific Hotel Suva will rebrand as InterContinental Grand Pacific Hotel Suva by 2022, following a refurbishment.
InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the addition of a prominent Pacific hotel to its stable with an eye on post-coronavirus travel.
Fiji's Grand Pacific Hotel Suva hotel will rebrand as InterContinental Grand Pacific Hotel Suva following a refurbishment, becoming IHG’s fourth hotel in Fiji, and the second for the brand, alongside InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa in Natadola Bay, which is also owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
Built in 1914, and reopened on its hundredth anniversary with contemporary colonial architecture, the legacy of the venue has been secured with a place on the country's ten dollar note.
Source: IHG
At a glance:
It has also played host to countless celebrities, politicians and royalty over its 100 years, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has visited the hotel three times and even gave a speech at a ball in 1953 from the hotel’s balcony as part of her first tour of the Empire as Queen.
Source: IHG
More recently, it welcomed Harry and Meghan, who visited in 2018.
IHG South Pacific Area General Manager Lachlan Walker told WILLIAMS MEDIA the Grand Pacific Hotel built on the company's solid foundations in the country.
“IHG already has a strong footprint in Fiji and a reputation for operating amazing hotels, including Holiday Inn Suva and InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa," he said.
"We are very excited to expand that offering with our partner, FNPF, and welcome Grand Pacific Hotel to the family.
"The borders may be closed today but, when they reopen, we will be ready to welcome guests from around the world to this iconic hotel that combines its contemporary colonial heritage with IHG’s True Hospitality, and the power of the world-famous InterContinental brand.”
Located on the main seafront on Suva’s Victoria Parade, the hotel is perfectly located to welcome Suva’s mix of leisure and business guests. It offers all-day and specialty restaurants and bars and a club lounge, as well as a 600sqm ballroom, meetings rooms, business centre, gym, swimming pool and spa.
IHG Vice President of Development for Australasia, Japan & Pacific, Abhijay Sandilya, said the company was committed to helping rebuild the country's tourism industry.
“We aim to retain the heritage and grandeur of the hotel while adding all the world-famous elements of InterContinental’s True Hospitality experience.
"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.”
“We truly value our long-standing relationship with Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) 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."
Source: IHG
FNPF Chief Investment Officer Viliame Vodonaivalu said the hotel would be important 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," he said.
Source: IHG
"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.”
IHG currently has 52 hotels operating under five brands in Australasia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, voco, and Holiday Inn Express, with another 38 in the pipeline, including Hotel Indigo.
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