IHG has bagged a slice of paradise by striking a deal to rebrand one of the most famous properties in the Pacific as an InterContinental hotel following its refurbishment.

Fiji’s famous Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva is set to embark on an exciting new era with the help of UK-based hotel giant IHG. We find out more about this eye-catching move.

Another win in the Pacific for IHG

IHG has signed a landmark deal to take over management of the property in July 2020 and rebrand it under the InterContinental luxury hotel brand by 2022 following refurbishment work. IHG currently operates 52 hotels in the Australasia market and this will be its fourth in Fiji alone.

The hotel is owned by Fiji National Provident Fund, which is also proprietor of another IHG property on the island, namely InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa in Natadola Bay.

Viliame Vodonaivalu, chief investment officer at Fiji National Provident Fund, said: “The Grand Pacific Hotel is an iconic hotel and will be important to Fiji’s recovery as a tourist destination when the borders reopen.

“With a lower traveller footprint due to the global crisis, we are taking the opportunity to bring forward the refurbishment of this hotel, bringing it to life in a new way ready for the next era of tourism in Fiji. We have a fantastic partnership with IHG, and we recognise the need for a partner like IHG with its global footprint, powerful systems and loyal customer base that will help attract guests back to Fiji.”

Fame and fortune at Fiji’s Grand Pacific Hotel

Fiji’s most iconic hotel has long been the haunt of the rich and famous. Built in 1914, it reopened to great fanfare in 2014 while celebrating its 100th birthday. The property has entertained many familiar faces over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II on three occasions and more recently her grandson Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and even appears on the Fijian ten-dollar bill.

Abhijay Sandilya, IHG’s vice president, development – Australasia, Japan & Pacific, said: “It is a great honour to take on the management of the Grand Pacific Hotel . We are committed to retaining the heritage and grandeur of [sic], while adding all the world-famous elements of InterContinental’s True Hospitality experience.

“When the borders reopen, GPH will be ready to welcome back all those guests who know it so well, as well as those who are so familiar with IHG and the InterContinental brand. We truly value our longstanding relationship with Fiji National Provident Fund and look forward to adding InterContinental Grand Pacific Hotel Fiji to our existing portfolio together, which includes Holiday Inn Suva and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa.”

Let’s take a look at some more outstanding hotel projects by IHG in Asia Pacific: