PLANTATION Island Resort has recorded more than 1.8 million visitors in its 50 years of operation.
This was according to the general manager, Alex Wilson, during its anniversary celebrations at the resort on Friday.
“We have employed over 880 employees on this island,” he said.
“It withstood over 101 cyclones and we have also served 4.1 million meals at Plantation Island Resort.”
He said they had resiliently managed local and international threats, coups, uncertain markets, collapse of travel icons, the global financial crisis and the arrival of digital technology.
“Plantation Island Resort has also been a launching platform for many new careers,” he said.
“With the owners’ passion and our board of directors’ vision, we are now witnessing a new Plantation Island Resort.”
The resort has a new visitor arrival bure, restaurant and 40 rooms as well as an infinity pool overlooking the lagoon.
“Plantation Island Resort is advancing its position in developing its own people, investing in the human elements of its own business.
“It’s advancing its position in the environmental conservation initiatives including coral planting and coral diving and our new language of today’s climate change.
“It’s putting its customers first by the way of upskilling aspirations in regards to its product enhancements, best practice and ensuring it’s not only hearing but listening to the guest,” he said.
The resort was also widening its strategic vision under sustainable tourism which, according to Mr Wilson, was parallel to the resort’s values. The first accommodation bure was built in 1969 by the late owner Reginald Raffe.
“He probably didn’t envision that it would impact so many lives — not only for his family, but visitors, locals and also Tourism Fiji and the region.
“He probably did not know 50 years ago he would influence the local communities in the future local lifestyle and the local environment and also in many respects the future also as an icon of Fiji tourism.”
