HM rounds-up the latest operational news in Fiji after TC Evan.
SOFITEL FIJI RESORT AND SPA
Just days after Tropical Cyclone Evan tore through Fiji, guests at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa are back lounging by the pool and enjoying cocktails in the sunshine.
While some windows, shutters and lights were damaged, the main buildings are fine and already business is pretty much back to normal.
Most of the damage at the resort was to foliage and for 48 hours the resort lost electricity but thanks to its twin generators was able to keep power running throughout the emergency.
Guests praised the efforts of staff to ensure they were kept safe and comfortable throughout the rain and winds that swept the resort and while some guests chose to leave Fiji early, those who stayed on have already been rewarded with blue skies and sunshine.
Adam Laker, General Manager of the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa praised his staff for their quick action in cleaning up the resort in the wake of the storm.
“It is particularly pleasing to see, in difficult times such as this, our teams pull together to ensure the safety of our guests and to have everyone pitching in to do their bit to restore normality as quickly as possible,” he said. “We made sure to keep our guests constantly informed of what was happening with the storm and now that it has passed we hope people will continue to holiday in Fiji to help the island recover.
“It is unfortunate that Cylone Evan hit at one of our busiest times of the year, but we are ready to welcome all those guests who have decided to continue on with their holiday plans and we will do all we can to ensure they enjoy the best possible time here.”
The Sofitel is one of four Accor hotels in Fiji – with the Novotel Nadi, Mercure Nadi and Novotel Suva suffering mainly superficial damage and all back to business as usual. The Novotel Nadi suffered the worst damage due to fallen trees, but even so more than 80% of rooms are back in operation and on the whole, all General Managers have reported that, despite some mess, things are back to normal.
RADISSON BLU RESORT FIJI
Luck and sound judgement saw Fiji’s Radisson Blu Resort survive the onslaught of tropical cyclone Evan earlier this week.
Radisson Blu Fiji general manager Gerard Knight said the Denarau Island resort survived the cyclone extremely well.
“There was cause for concern as the resort was almost fully occupied when the cyclone hit,” he said.
“Guests were well looked after and staff pulled out all the stops. We took in guests from nearby properties on Mamanuca Islands. We lost a few trees and a shade sail, the internet was down for 20 minutes but with great team spirit we avoided panic.
“Guests dined in the ballroom on Monday; to their credit they created a fantastic atmosphere of camaraderie. On Tuesday morning guests joined management and staff in the clean up, it would have taken weeks without their help,” he said.
Radisson Blu Fiji is now back to normal and Director of Sales and Marketing Suzie Jones said the Orchid Lounge, Water Court and Neptune’s are now fully operational.
“The fourth restaurant is about to open,” she said. “We have now reopened two of the swimming pools, the third pool is expected to be ready by the weekend. Everything is on track for Christmas and we look forward to welcoming guests.
“Weather is unpredictable throughout the world. A firm plan, dedicated leadership and a great team helps make everyone secure and comfortable. Radisson Blu guests were amazing.
“The community spirit resulted in a two day cleanup operation. It would have taken much longer without the guests, the team and management, they all deserve a big thank you,” she said.
SONAISALI ISLAND RESORT
Following the aftermath of Cyclone Evan Sonaisali Island Resort is happy to announce the resort has survived without any structural damage and although the pool is currently closed, the resort is fully operational.
The cleanup of the resorts grounds and gardens is underway and the central pool area is closed while the team changes the debris filled water in the pool. To accelerate this process water barges are being used, and as a result the resort hopes to have the pool back in operation by Monday evening on 24 December, 2012.
To compensate guests during this time Sonaisali offering all guests the option of free day cruises on their catamaran ‘Cagi Malua’, free shopping trips to Nadi Town and free excursions to Port Denarau. Guests may do as many of these activities as many times as they like during this time.
TADRAI ISLAND RESORT
Tadrai escaped with no impact or damage whatsoever from Cyclone Evan and the resort is fully operational.
UPDATE FROM TOURISM FIJI
Resorts & Hotels
- Apart from the Westin at Denarau Island (which will be closed for roof & air conditioning repairs), all resorts on Denarau Island are open and should be operating normally by tomorrow.
- Coral Coast hotels and resorts – all fully operational.
- Taveuni, Savusavu & the Northern Region of Fiji – all resorts & hotels are fully operational
- Suva and Pacific Harbor – all resorts & hotels are fully operational
- Nadi hotels – all are operational except for some reduction in rooms at Novotel, Tanoa Apartments, and Trans International (which has a damaged roof)
- Hotels near Nadi – First Landing – normal operations; Anchorage Beach Resort has a reduction in rooms; and Fiji Orchid will be closed for several months.
- Island resorts off Nadi – resorts that are open & operational include but are not limited to:
- Lomani
- Plantation
- Tokoriki
- Viwa
- Island resorts off Nadi that are closed temporarily are:
- Matamanoa Island Resort – re-opening tomorrow 21 December
- Blue Lagoon Beach Resort – re-opening tomorrow 21 December
- Musket Cove – re-opening 22 December
- Mana Island Resort – re-opening 24 December
- Navutu Stars – re-opening 24 December
- Amanuca Island Resort – re-opening 25 December
- Beachcomber Island – re-opening 28 December
- Treasure Island- re-opening 28 December
- Bounty Island – re-opening 28 December
- Vomo Island Resort – re-opening 29 December
- Yasawa Island Resort – re-opening 01 March 2013
- Castaway Island – re-opening 01 April 2013
- Likuliku – re-opening 01 April 2013
- Malolo Island resorts – re-opening 01 April 2013
- Funky Fish Resort – re-opening in July 2013
Health
- There were no major injuries or worse as a result of Tropical Cyclone Evan.
- The Fijian Ministry of Health Department reports there have been no reports of Typhoid, Dengue Fever, or other health hazards anywhere in the country.
Utilities
- Electricity, water, and telecommunications services are being restored to much of the main island of Viti Levu by tomorrow and most of the outer islands expect to be restored within the next 48 hours.
Evacuation Centres
- Approximately 11,000 Fijians were accommodated in evacuation centres last night where they were provided with abundant water and food supplies as the Fijian Government works towards returning them to their homes — following needed repairs or re-building.
Airports & Airlines
- Nadi International Airport is fully operational and all flights in & out of Fiji have resumed.
- Fiji’s outer island airports are also fully operational.
Roads & Ground Transportation
- All main highways as well as all resort/hotel roads are open to traffic, and ferry services have resumed to Fiji’s outer islands.
- 98% of all hotel & resort transfer operators are operational and have resumed services.
Visitors Thus Far
- Since Cyclone Evan, more than 4,614 passengers have already flown into Nadi to visit, return home, or to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s.
Waivers, Change Policies & Further Resort Updates
- Air Pacific has introduced a waiver policy which allows travellers booked on flights to re-schedule without penalty (or change in fares) up to 31 March 2013 if they do so by Monday, December 24, 2012.
- Most hotels and resorts have similar policies (check websites for actual policies).
- Holiday-makers intending to visit Fiji should check with their resort’s website for updates. Should communications issues have affected that website, please visit www.fijime.com
“Tourism is the mainstay of Fiji’s economy and everyone here is working hard to make certain that Fiji’s resorts, hotels, and tour operators are back in business,” said Dave Pflieger, Chairman of Tourism Fiji.
“Fijians everywhere depend on tourism for jobs and income for their families, and we would urge visitors who have plans to come to Fiji to catch your flight and continue to come and visit our stunning 333 islands, as we celebrate the Festive Christmas holiday season,” said Elizabeth Powell, Permanent Secretary for Tourism.