The Novotel Suva hotel in Lami, which was formally known as the Trade Winds Hotel, was officially opened by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama today.

The occasion marked a significant development of Fiji's well known hotels, and Bainimarama said the Charles Pandey group of companies should be commended for its quality approach to the refurbishment of the landmark hotel which has cost an estimated $5 million.

Novotel Suva now boasts the largest conference facilities in Suva with eight meeting rooms.

The Accor Group has been operating in Fiji since 2006 and provides a range of branding through its properties such as Sofitel, Novotel and Mecure Nadi and now Novotel Suva.

Vice President of Accor Hospital New Zealand and Fiji Paul Richardson said the group of hotels provides employment to nearly 1000 people in Fiji and the creation of the "Cure Kids" fund is its commitment to the community of Fiji.

Meanwhile, another positive outcome for the tourism sector as the Radission Resort has been named Fiji's top hotel in this year’s Hotelclub Hotel Awards.

The Hotelclub awards is an annual event attracting nominations from around the world and this year it was more competitive than ever with over 52,000 nominations, resulting in 2800 hotels and resorts being considered for the award.


From all the entries, only 200 were shortlisted with a total of 28 awards presented in 16 categories.

Radission Hotel General Manager Justin Philips said they were absolutely thrilled at scooping yet another award, adding to the accolades their property has received since opening two years ago.