
The recreational floating platform near the world renowned Cloud Break surfing spot in Western Viti Levu will be shifted to a new location after founder, Tony Philp, was given the green light by the Government.
By SHEIK DEAN
Founder and managing director of Cloud 9, Tony Philp, is working to see how best the recreational floating platform can be re-launched.
Following the green light given by Government, Mr Philp is now working closely with the relevant mataqali and qoliqoli owners to ensure the popular tourism spot is up for business in the coming weeks.
This follows Government closing Cloud 9 the past month after it was labelled being an illegal operation as it was operating near the world renowned Cloud Break surfing spot.
After discussions with the Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Cloud 9 was given the green light to open but at a different location.
In the short span that Cloud 9 has been operational, it has received widespread praise and international recognition for being an innovative and one-of-a-kind destination catering for both tourists and locals.
Having received accolades by Internationals media, Trip Advisor and various social networking media, Mr Philp is still ready to commit to the Fiji’s tourism industry.
“The Bainimarama Government has done tremendously well with foreign investors pouring in as Fiji has a lot of business opportunities and potential especially within eco and marine tourism projects,” he said.
“We seek assistance from the Government to help us in re-launching Cloud 9 which is an essential contributor to the image of Fiji tourism and destination Fiji.”
Mr Philp, a former multiple windsurfing World Champion, said he has been a nomad most of his life, making a career from the ocean.
“So, the last thing I would do is harm the very element which has given me a successful career and amazing lifestyle,” he said.
Strategic location
Cloud 9 is located in the beautiful waters off Navula Reef where it is moored in a sandy bottom lagoon.
Mr Philp said having a platform such as Cloud 9 was an important and innovative initiative for a developing country like Fiji.
“This would make it more attractive in an already very competitive market such as Bali and Hawaii,” he said.
“For me as a waterman, water safety is a priority.
“Not only are our on board staff experienced in water sports but the actual pontoon itself serves as a safety floating device providing hydration, shade, comfort for guests.”
Investing with environment caution
As a service to a service, this investment will see a number of jobs and opportunities developed not only by Cloud 9 but also for the surrounding resorts and villages.
Apart from acting as a tourist destination, Mr Philp and his team are wary of their responsibility towards the environment.
Cloud 9 is considered as a Fish Attraction Device (FAD), in so far that it attracts and nurtures marine life.
“Every single marine protocol has been adhered to and respected and we intend to continue doing this and adjust if required,” Mr Philp said.
How it started
The idea for Cloud 9 started in late 2010. After being on the international circuit for over two decades, Mr Philp came back to Fiji.
It was on a drive to Suva when he noticed the abandoned substructure which once upon a time used to be a house boat.
“When I was a kid, my best friend’s dad Colin Dunlop had built the original substructure which was the foundation for this massive house boat which they lived on and which was moored in front of my parents’ house in Lami,” he said.
“At first glance it was clear the then abandoned house boat had deteriorated over the years, though fortunately not the substructure which was the most important.
“My initial thought was I could rebuild the house boat. The idea of Cloud 9 was not born yet.
“So with this initial thought in mind, I arranged to have the pontoon towed to Vuda Marina in Lautoka where I developed the idea of doing Cloud 9 and where the initial construction and re-fit started.”
With the help of his architect sister, Lisa Wade, Mr Philp put together a team of capable craftsman and kicked off with construction based on her unique design.
“Even though initial works began back in 2011, we only really started building in earnest in August 2012,” he said.
“After an year of hard work, we finally managed to launch on June 3 this year.”