The Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Hon. FaiyazSiddiqKoya congratulated the Royal Prince Alfred Club, after it was awarded the 2015/2016 Marine Industries Association (MIA) Marina of the Year.
“This award which was in recognition of the Yacht Club’s Integrated Disabled Sailing Program at Port Denarau Marina, gives Fiji a boost as the ideal yachting destination. Such recognition fits in with the Fijian Government vision of developing a tourism sector based on quality of service” added the Minister.
“Fiji is just not another tourism destination, but a destination that provides that additional personal touch, a destination where people really care and a destination that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors” said Minister Koya.
The Minister further stated that the yachting industry’s contribution to the tourism sector is growing every year and the Fijian Government is working with the industry to provide the necessary support to ensure that this growth is maintained.
“Fiji is the hub of the Pacific and the ideal destination or stopover for yachts, including superyachts, hence it is important that necessary infrastructure is in place to maximise the returns from this industry” said the Minister.
The award for the ‘Best Community Engagement Initiative by a Marina’ was presented to RPAYC at the Marine15 International Conference and Trade Exhibition held on the Gold Coast 3-5 May 2015.
MIA is the peak industry body for the marina industries in Australia, Asia and the Pacific regions and is dedicated to the needs of marina owners and operators of berthing, mooring, storage and slipway/workshop facilities connected to sailing, cruising and general boating.
The competition for the MIA Awards was the strongest ever and a record number of entries had been received internationally.
Port Denarau Marina’s Managing Director, Mr Nigel Skeggs says, “This is an incredible achievement both for our team and Fiji as a destination. We have strived to develop a product that contributes to the variety of offerings in Fiji’s tourism market while driving the financial and social contribution to the outer islands of Fiji by attracting these tourists to our shores.”
“In developing a marina we have been very isolated and to receive this recognition from our peers is incredibly satisfying and a recognition that not only we are doing it right but we are a leading marina globally. It does not get any better than this and I am very proud of our success.”
According to the Annual Fijian International Yachting Visitors Survey, which is conducted each year by Port Denarau Marina as an aid to market Fiji as a destination for this valuable segment of the tourism sector, there has been a sharp increase in numbers, with the total value of yachting tourism to the Fijian economy for 2014 sitting at over $39.5m.
As the premier marina facility in Fiji, Port Denarau continues to raise its standards internationally, as well as add to its list new and exciting products.
The latest addition to Port Denarau Marina is going to be a new restaurant and bar, the only private function facility that is not connected to a resort. This product is set to be launched next week.