Investors put money to come up with heritage hamlet
LITIA MATHEWSELL
NADI
While any investor’s nightmare includes flooding and low visitor numbers, these challenges have failed to dampen the optimism of Heritage Hamlet’s owners.
The Nadi-based cultural center had its soft opening in December and is now pushing ahead with further development plans, This includes more employment postings, as part of its $2 million investment.
Marketing and Operations general manager, Shashank Atrey, said an official opening to launch the vibrant center would be held next month at their Weikamu Subdivision location next to Nadi Town.
He makes no qualms about the challenges of introducing such a concept to the Western Division but is positive about its success.
Like fellow investors of the project, Mr Atrey believes a showcase of Fiji’s ethnic cultures and diversity would give tourists an insightful and inherent appreciation of local communities.
“Our theme is based on rediscovering culture, cuisine and celebrations and it makes a difference for visitors who can go back to the roots of these ancient communities,” he said.
The Rajasthan, India native was approached in March the past year by one of the partner of the centre, Subhas Chandra, the founder of the New Zealand Pacific Training Centre.
Less than six months later, an expansive setting of traditional iTaukei and Indian villages and entertainment spaces was opened on December 22.
“’I had never been to Fiji before and I thought this would be a great challenge. When I came, the area was still mostly forestry. And so we had to clear that and then put the center together,” Mr Atrey said.
Presently the bulk of their visitors are supplied by Rosie Holidays and the Smugglers Cove Beach Resort.
Mr Atrey also hopes the center will be well utilised by school students for its historical and cultural lessons.
Open seven days a week from 10.30am to 4.30pm, the center can also hired for special occasions and includes corporate and wedding packages.
Feedback: litiam@fijisun.com.fj
