WARWICK International Hotels have acquired their fourth property in Fiji, the suitably located Tokatoka Resort Hotel.
And newly-appointed general manager Jack Stark has big plans for the Nadi-based holiday destination.
One week after moving in and taking over as general manager, Mr Stark, who has 40 years of experience in the tourism industry under his belt, is working on making the holiday retreat the place to be in Nadi.
"Apart from retaining the name and current staff, things are going to change. Guests can expect improvements in service and room upgrades as these are the first two key areas we are going to focus on.
"At one point Tokatoka used to be the place to be and that is where I want to take it ù regaining its popularity as a key feature in the Nadi tourism calendar and improving on that to better meet the requirements of international and local guests," he said.
While staff members were relieved that they would retain their jobs, Mr Stark said rigorous upskilling and training programs would soon begin to bring Tokatoka up to Warwick standards.
"We aim to bring the resort up to at least four-star status.
"We currently have 84 staff but this number could increase to 100 once occupancy increases," said Mr Stark.
Warwick's vice president and chief operating officer Pacific, Nick Hortle, said the group was excited with the new acquisition, the fourth in their Fiji operation ù because of its close proximity to the Nadi International Airport and exceptional staff.
"Our owners have asked me to pass on personal regards to staff and to convey a deep appreciation to the landowners, tokatoka Nadrau and the Taukei Naua.
"We would like to acknowledge the landowners and appreciate that Warwick International Hotels have been allowed to purchase the hotel," he said.
Mr Hortle said the resort's location in relation to the airport combined with Nadi Town being the hub of tourism and business travel in Viti Levu's west, the Tokatoka Resort Hotel provided excellent opportunities for overnight and transit travellers as well as local business travellers from Suva and other parts of Fiji.
Mr Hortle said he could not divulge the cost of the acquisition but promised bigger and better things for the resort under the Warwick International banner.
"We're very happy with what we've acquired and stakeholders can be rest assured because we have a record of acquiring properties and continuing to build," he said.