A game-changer has arrived in Fiji with the unveiling of the new Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, home to what is now the largest convention center in the region.
With the 324-room resort’s debut on Nov. 15, the island nation has finally bridged its most significant gap in the business events landscape, positioning itself to welcome large international gatherings that were previously beyond reach.
Until now, Fiji’s largest convention facility was at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, whose Denarau Island Convention Centre offers 18,890 sf of event space, which made it the the biggest in the South Pacific Islands.
That title now goes to the Crowne Plaza’s new state-of-the-art Crown Convention Centre, boasting nearly 180,000 sf of function space, including a 9,957-sf pillarless ballroom and a range of meeting and breakout rooms.
According to the Crowne Plaza, the property has already locked in more than 10 international events through 2026, with eager clients making inquiries that stretch even further into the future.
“This puts Fiji on the map for business events. Having two [convention centers] attracts a lot of international business events and it is going to do wider good for Fiji as a destination,” Sudhir Yadav, the Crowne Plaza’s GM told TTGMICE.
Through strategic collaboration with Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways, the property is positioned to capture an optimal 60-40 split between international and domestic business.
While Australia, New Zealand and US bookings are strong, Asian markets (China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore) present growth opportunities despite limited flight connectivity, which stakeholders are addressing. Fiji’s national carrier currently offers direct flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Located 15 minutes from Nadi International Airport, the beachfront resort offers 324 rooms and suites, all with balconies or terraces, along with nine F&B outlets and a tenth opening next year.
Additionally, the new venue has reopened an industry discussion about forming a national convention bureau. Yadav says the property is working with Tourism Fiji and the Tourism Ministry to create a bureau focusing on selling Fiji to incentive markets. A plan should be formulated within the next two years, Yadav noted.
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