29 Feb 2024
EVT announced as the future operator of a new Rydges Resort in Fiji
EMBARGO: 5am 1 March 2024 – The future Rydges Wailoaloa will be developed by owners Hari Punja & Sons Limited on the beachfront at Wailoaloa Beach and contain a cultural village, along with plans for 258 rooms and suites, including swim-up rooms, extensive recreation facilities, spa, event and conferencing spaces, multiple food and beverage outlets and Fiji's largest swimming pool.
The hotel development is expected to take up to two years and, upon completion, will be managed by Rydges, bringing their extensive regional experience and 'refreshingly local' brand to Fiji.
Norman Arundel, Director of Hotels & Resorts at EVT said, “This partnership is an exciting development for Rydges and continues EVT Hotels & Resorts strategic focus on brand expansion, in both local and targeted international markets. Fiji is a beautiful country with a rich heritage, a holiday climate and picturesque ocean views. We look forward to bringing our refreshingly local philosophy and extensive hotel management experience to the Fijian hospitality sector.”
The resort will be true to the Rydges brand positioning of 'refreshing local', and to interpret this, the EVT design team will collaborate with interior designers to reflect textures and tones that are naturally Fijian.
Hari Punja Group of Companies Chairman Hari Punja spoke of the accommodation shortage in Fiji and the role Rydges Wailoaloa will play in assisting this shortfall, as well as injecting a significant economic boost into Fiji's construction and tourism industries.
Rydges Wailoaloa is due to open in late 2026, subject to development approvals and timelines. It will join the 43 Rydges Hotels & Resorts currently operating across Australia and New Zealand.
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For media enquiries:
Amy Wagner
+61 409 44 64 54
Rydges Hotels and Resorts are a part of EVT.
About Rydges
Rydges Hotels operates quality city, suburban and resort-style hotels in key destinations across Australia and New Zealand with a refreshingly down-to-earth approach. For more than 30 years, Rydges has provided genuine local hospitality with quality essentials alongside its trademark 'too easy' service.
The group accommodates more than one million guests each year across a range of market segments, including corporate, conference, government, leisure, inbound and domestic groups, and international travellers, with a focus on creating a home-away-from-home for every guest.
Community-minded, Rydges is committed to supporting the local areas in which they operate while delivering exceptional service that is guaranteed to exceed guest expectations and make the day better.
The Rydges portfolio appeals to both leisure and business travellers looking for quality and value and sits alongside the broader EVT stable of hotel brands, including Atura Hotels, QT Hotels and Resorts, LyLo and Independent Collection by EVT.
About EVT
Entertainment businesses that excite every sense. Commercial Ventures driven by a passion for new opportunities. Travel businesses that always feel local and authentic.
In a world of cookie-cutters, EVT is reshaping what's possible in experience and commercial opportunity. Backed by our team of Daymakers, we go all the way to elevate our people, customers, communities, and environment every day.
Entertainment: 140+ Cinema Experiences | 150+ Bars and Restaurants | Wellness
Event Cinemas AU & NZ | BCC Cinemas| Rialto Cinemas | The Embassy | CineStar Germany | Moonlight | Skyline Drive In | Cinebuzz OnDemand | State Theatre | SpaQ |Thredbo leisure Centre & Golf Course | Rydges Formosa Golf Course
Ventures: ~$2B Property Portfolio | Partnerships
EVT Property Development| EVT Hotel Management | EDGE CT | EVT Media & Sponsorship | EVT Partnerships |The Parlour Lane Company
Travel: 80+ Hotels | Australia's number 1 Ski Resort
QT | Rydges| Atura| LyLo | Independent Collection by EVT | Thredbo
ASX top 200: EVT | ~$1Bn Annual turnover | Team of ~9000
Get to know us better at www.evt.com
