By RACHNA LAL
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific is preparing to unveil its multi-million-dollar phase III refurbishment and expansion project at Wyndham Resort Denarau Island in October.
The FJ$50 million project on Denarau Island in Nadi has been underway since late 2011.
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific chief executive and managing director, Barry Robinson, confirmed this to the Fiji Sun.
The extensive 22-month long expansion project is one of the major tourism developments to be undertaken in Fiji in recent years.
Mr Robinson said it is also the largest development ever to be carried out by Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific’s property development team.
He said the project, undertaken by local construction company, Pacific Building Solutions, is now in its final stages and the official celebrations planned for October 21.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama would be attending the function as special guests alongside the Franz Hanning, president and chief executive of Wyndham Vacation Ownership.
Big demand
Mr Robinson said their decision to expand the property which is exclusive to WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham vacation owners and their guests, was based on the big demand for the property.
“There are over 46,000 owners in the WorldMark South Pacific Club and Wyndham Resort Denarau Island is a firm favourite among club owners and their guests.
“It was one of the first resorts we acquired for the Club in 2000 and it has been running at very high occupancies ever since,” he said.
“Even throughout this redevelopment, occupancy has remained over 90 per cent.”
Employment boost
Not only has this project injected over $50 million into our economy, but the extensive project has further provided substantial employment boost.
Mr Robinson revealed that to date, over 1.14 million man-hours have gone into the project over approximately 22 months.
“In excess of 250 local workers and subcontractors have been employed during the expansion works in a variety of roles since September 2011,” he said.
“Also, an extra 40 full-time resort positions have been created as a result of the expansion.”
Project details
The project includes the construction of 63 new apartments, which is set to deliver a whole new level of accommodation to guests.
A major highlight of the expansion was the addition of Karma Maravu Bar, located at a new adults’ retreat pool, along with upgrades to the resort’s main oceanfront swimming pool.
Taking resort to new level
Mr Robinson said: “The fact we have spent over a million man-hours on phase III of the development tells you just how big this project is.
“It is not just the scale of the project which is exciting, the new facilities now on offer and accommodation choices, which will soon be available, have truly taken this resort to a new level.
“The phase III expansion represents a total transformation of Wyndham Resort Denarau Island and a sign of things to come for the Wyndham brand as a whole.”
Resort general manager, Bob Speed, feels this comprehensive redevelopment and expansion will position Wyndham Resort Denarau Island as the premier resort within the Denarau Island accommodation sector.
“We are very excited to soon be able to offer our vacation owners and guests the most modern, enjoyable, innovative and thoughtfully-designed resort on the island.”
The new adults retreat pool and bar at Wyndham Denarau Island takes shape with the phase III development in the background. Photos: Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific