IHG has announced plans to manage the Grand Pacific Hotel in Fiji’s capital, bringing the property into its Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts portfolio.
The hotel will become the Intercontinental Grand Pacific Hotel Suva by 2022, following the completion of a refurbishment programme.
It will join the existing Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa in Natadola Bay as the second property under the brand in the South Pacific island nation, and the fourth IHG hotel (the other two being the Holiday Inn Suva, and the Six Senses Fiji).
The Grand Pacific Hotel dates back to 1914, and is located on the sea front on Suva’s Victoria Parade. Facilities include all-day dining and specialty restaurants, as well as a club lounge, 600 sqm ballroom, swimming pool and spa.
The hotel is famous enough to feature on the Fijian ten dollar bill, and over the years has paid host to royalty including Queen Elizabeth II and more recently Harry and Megan.
Commenting on the news Abhijay Sandilya, IHG’s vice president, development – Australasia, Japan and Pacific, said:
“It is a great honour to take on the management of the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH). We are committed to retaining the heritage and grandeur of, while adding all the world-famous elements of Intercontinental’s True Hospitality experience.
“When the borders re-open, GPH will be ready to welcome back all those guests who know it so well, as well as those who are so familiar with IHG and the Intercontinental brand.
“We truly value our long-standing relationship with (owner) Fiji National Provident Fund and look forward to adding Intercontinental Grand Pacific Hotel Fiji to our existing portfolio together, which includes Holiday Inn Suva and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.
We are committed to playing our part in rebuilding the tourism industry in Fiji as and when guests return to this stunning country.”
Last month IHG announced plans for the Intercontinental brand to return to Rome, with a 160-room hotel within an existing 19th century palazzo building on Via Veneto in the Ludovisi area of the city.
