Fiji has closed one of its biggest gaps in the business events market with the opening of a new convention centre at Crowne Plaza Fiji, giving the country long awaited capacity to compete for large international meetings.
Unveiled on November 15, 2025, the facility marks a turning point for the country’s events landscape, which until now could host only a limited number of sizeable gatherings.
In years prior, the Sheraton’s Denarau Island Convention Centre stood as the only venue capable of accommodating conferences at scale. The new Crowne Plaza venue addresses that constraint, featuring a pillarless 925m2 ballroom with capacity for up to 1,400 delegates, and what the hotel describes as the most advanced event infrastructure in the country.
“This puts Fiji on the map for business events. Having two (convention centres) attracts a lot of international business events and it is going to do wider good for Fiji as a destination,” said Sudhir Yadav, general manager of Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa.
Industry optimism is rising, buoyed by increasing demand and forward bookings. Crowne Plaza has confirmed more than 10 international events through to the end of 2026, with enquiries stretching years beyond that.
“We are very optimistic. The fact that we are getting enquiries for 2027 and 2028 is a healthy sign that there is enough attention and demand for the meetings and events segment to grow,” Yadav noted. A major spa industry gathering with 500 international delegates has also been secured for 2H2026.
The property is targeting a mix of 60 per cent international and 40 per cent domestic business, supported by an active collaboration with Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways.
While bookings from Australia, New Zealand and the US are strong, China, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore are seen as key regional markets for growth. Limited flight availability to Asia is a challenge, but stakeholders are working to address this. The national carrier currently operates direct flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
“More connecting flights from Asia will attract more charter flights, more incentive groups and more meetings. China is the largest Asian market available and we currently have under five per cent Chinese customers. We would like to see that number reach 12 to 15 per cent in the coming years,” Yadav told TTGmice.
Sam Davies, director of operations for Australasia and Pacific at IHG Hotels and Resorts, added that pent up demand from Asia is evident.
“We have a huge amount of networking across the conventions sector in Southeast Asia. There is pent up demand for Fiji now that we have the facility, which is on par or better than resort propositions across South-east Asia,” he said.
The beachfront resort sits 15 minutes from Nadi Airport and with 324 keys, offers the second largest room inventory in Fiji. It operates nine F&B outlets, with another due to open next year.
The new venue is also renewing industry discussions on forming a national convention bureau. “We are collaborating closely with Fiji Tourism and the Tourism Ministry to establish a dedicated bureau. This bureau will be focused on selling Fiji to incentive travel markets and will be supported by government contributions. We anticipate that concrete plans will solidify within the next 12 to 24 months,” Yadav said.
The venue opening was officiated by acting prime minister Filimoni Vosarogo, who called the multi-million dollar investment a strong endorsement of Fiji’s stability and increasing international appeal. It was also attended by two former prime ministers, underscoring the national significance of the event.
The expanded capacity is expected to deliver broad economic gains. The hotel already employs over 500 people, with 98 per cent being local staff.
Fiji welcomed 982,938 arrivals in 2024, earning around FJ$2.6 billion (US$1.1 billion) and contributing around 40 per cent of national GDP.
He joins with over 20 years of international hospitality experience, most recently leading the recovery of four Accor properties in Phuket and Hua Hin following an 18-month Covid-19 closure.
