Plantation Island Resort
By JYOTI PRATIBHA
One of the pioneers of the outer island tourism industry, Reginald (Reg) Raffe, passed away at his Plantation Island Resort yesterday morning.
Mr Raffe and the Raffe family own the Plantation Island Resort, Raffles Gateway Hotel and Lomani Island Resort.
A true pioneer, Mr Raffe was highly noted for his contribution developing the Mamanucas as a destination together with late Dan Costello and the late Dick Smith.
Government condolence
The Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum, said Fiji had lost a pioneer of the tourism industry.
“We extend sincere condolences to the staff and team at Plantation Island Resort, and to his children Reardon Raffe, Barron Raffe, Jayson Raffe and Hannah Kirsh and their families.”
President of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association Dixon Seeto said the contribution Mr Raffe made to the Fijian tourism industry will always be remembered.
“We give our condolences to the Raffe family. Reg and his family have been and are still very much involved in the tourism industry,” Mr Seeto said.
“Reg, like many from his time are pioneers of this industry. Dan Costello, Dick Smith and him were the backbone of tourism in Fiji and saw it from its infancy days to what it is today.
“I salute him as one of the people who has nurtured the industry to what it is today. He is definitely in the group of pioneers who we acknowledge and respect,” Mr Seeto said.
Family legacy
He said the Raffe family continues to be involved in the industry.
“This tourism industry has Reg’s stamp on it and this is part of his legacy,” he said.
Before independence Mr Raffe opened Plantation Village Resort, now Plantation Island Resort, on Malolo Lailai island with six rooms.
Today it is one of the resorts which make the Mamanucas a major destination.
Lomani Island, also on Malolo Lailai , was opened by the Raffe family in 2004.
Raffles Gateway, opposite the Nadi International Airport is a key stopover for people arriving and leaving.
Funeral details will be announced later.