Artist’s impression of front office area.
JYOTI PRATIBHA
MANA ISLAND
Millions of dollars worth of major renovation work is being undertaken at one of the longest established resorts in the Mamanucas- Mana Island Resort and Spa.
Newly appointed general manager Ulrich Hoffgen revealed that work were being carried out to improve guest stay at the island resort.
While Mr Hoffgen has not been in a position to reveal how much is being invested in this upgrade, the figure is expected to be in “double digit millions”.
Mr Hoffgen said the heart of Mana would remain the same and this was a much needed “cosmetic surgery”.
“The jetty which is currently under renovation will be completed by end of this month.
“We have started with the new front office building, which is right in front of the jetty. This will be a very impressive building but it will also streamline the operation. Guests will come in from the jetty, straight into the front desk area for check-in and then whisked off to their rooms.
“Our restaurants and bars would be renewed. New restaurants will be coming up and we will have some Asian influence- teriyaki table in the restaurant, more seafood, new menu on the à la carte menu.
“I want to make very, very clear, we will not change the heart of Mana. This is not a heart transplant, its more of a cosmetic surgery.
Japan-Fiji direct?
While not revealing much detail, Mr Hoffgen also said that talks were taking place to reopen direct route between Japan and Fiji, which would further open Fiji to tourists from Japan.
“Hopefully, when there will be new direct flights to Fiji, we will resume our client base from Japan and from other countries.”
Emphasis is now also being placed on staff training by Mr Hoffgen. He said it was essential that current staff are upskilled and when the opportunity arises, promoted to managerial level, rather than expatriates being hired for the job.
He said currently, they have had to advertise for engineering staff and would likely get an expat, but if the right talent and skills were available locally and amongst current staff, it would be better for Fijians.
For the past two to three months the island resort has been running at 100 per cent occupancy. The recent occupancy rate stands at close to 90 per cent.
In the coming months, some groups are coming in to hire the entire island for their vacation.
Mr Hoffgen said Mana Island Resort and Spa has its own appeal and was easily one of the affordable island resorts and catered for a wide cross section.
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