“Stage one of the project is estimated at $50 million for 100 rooms, which makes Wananavu Beach Resort the largest hotel in this region of Fiji, thus becoming a substantial benefit for the Suncoast region,” Mr Rup said.
Wananavu – an itaukei word often used to denote positive vibes – is also the name of a new resort under construction in Rakiraki.
Rup Investments Limited is stamping its mark on the Suncoast .
Rup Investments Limited director Javeer Rup said the property was purchased in 2020, at a time when it was a smaller resort of 35 rooms.
A demolition exercise has since concluded to make way for a new resort.
“Stage one of the project is estimated at $50 million for 100 rooms, which makes Wananavu Beach Resort the largest hotel in this region of Fiji, thus becoming a substantial benefit for the Ra Province,” Mr Rup said.
Rup Investments hopes to complete the project within 24 to 30 months.
Rup Investments employs around 1000 staff across Fiji, and has made a name as a major property developer, as seen in Rups Mega Centre and Suva Point Apartments.
A 100 per cent locally-owned company, Rup Investments will also operate the resort when it is opens.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said there was a national inventory of about 1400 rooms, pegged at construction valid at $785 million.
“We need more over the years in line with our air connectivity expansion,” he said.
“The investments of various scales, from larger integrated developments to smaller locally owned ones is welcomed.
“Invest in a new brand, “where happiness comes naturally,” invest in renovations, new routes, infrastructure, new products, our people, and our environment.”