| January 18, 2005 -- One of Fiji's most idyllic and exclusive
resorts - Vomo Island Resort - will join Accor's prestigious Sofitel
network from 14 February 2005, following the completion of a full
upgrade and refurbishment of the resort's 29 burés and public
facilities. The resort will be known as Vomo Island Resort (managed by Sofitel) following the re-branding. It is part of a major expansion by Accor in Fiji, which will see the group take over management of the Dominion Hotel in Nadi (which will be re-branded to a Mercure Hotel after a major refurbishment in 20  05) and launch the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on
Danerau Island in October 2005.Described as the "pearl of the Fijian islands", Vomo Island consists of 225 acres of spectacular white sandy beaches and secluded lagoons, lush tropical gardens, coconut groves and pristine coral reefs that offer some of the Pacific's finest diving and snorkelling. Holiday-makers are transferred to Vomo Island by sea-plane or helicopter from Nadi, which takes 15 minutes. The extensive renovations to the resort, which will be completed by early February 2005, include a new poolside bar; new beach bures which guests can use for relaxing during the day, for romantic candlelit dinners or for private picnics; a complete renovation to the pool and restaurants, plus new furnishings and fittings for all villas. Each spacious villa features an enclosed verandah, separate living area, private bedroom, dressing area, full Jacuzzi with separate shower and private garden area. Most are just steps from the white sandy beach and all offer panoramic ocean views, tropical furnishings and polished hardwood floors for the ultimate atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. Facilities at the resort include four restaurant venues (including a spectacular cliff-top restaurant) and bars, swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, tennis court and massage centre. The resort offers a range of water sports and leisure activities. Announcing the Resort's new management, Director of Vomo Island Resort, Andrew Batchelor, said that with the multi-million dollar upgrade of the resort, it was now appropriate to have an international management company of the stature of Accor to operate the resort. "Vomo Island Resort is now one of the most attractive resorts in the world and to capitalise on the refurbishment of the entire property we thought it was time to bring in a company with the highest-level sales, marketing and international reservations expertise," said Mr Batchelor. "We expect Vomo Island to compete with Turtle Island and Vatulele in Fiji in offering discerning travellers the very best in facilities, cuisine and lavish service in surroundings of unparalleled beauty." Accor Asia Pacific's Managing Director, Michael Issenberg, said that Vomo Island Resort would benefit considerably from the expansion of Sofitel across the Asia Pacific region: "We will have 14 Sofitels in the Pacific region by mid-2006, making Sofitel the largest prestige brand in the area. Sofitels' presence in key feeder markets such as New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand, as well as Japan, North America and Europe will be very important for promoting Vomo Island Resort and Fijian tourism more generally. "The combination of the Sofitel on Vomo Island and the Sofitel at Denarau in October gives Accor a unique advantage in being able to offer travellers a combination of 5-star luxury on the mainland and in the islands. "We anticipate that Fiji will have another outstanding year of tourism, and we believe that the launch of Sofitel in Fiji will help attract premium tourism, as well as conference and incentive groups. who are looking for a destination that is perceived as attractive and safe." Sofitel Vomo joins other prestigious Sofitel resorts in such idyllic locations as Bora Bora, Mauritius, Hua Hin, Martinique and Bali. Sofitel is the prestige brand of Accor hotels, with more than 180 properties that bring a unique French "art de vivre" to prime locations around the world. With 158,000 people in 140 countries, Accor is the European leader and one of the world's largest groups in travel, tourism and corporate services, with two major international activities: * hotels: nearly 4,000 hotels (455,000 rooms) in 90 countries,  casinos, travel agencies, and restaurants; * services to corporate clients and public institutions: 14 million people in 34 countries use a broad range of services (food vouchers, people care and services, incentive, loyalty programs, events) engineered and managed by Accor. |