Labasa is set to welcome its first internationally-branded hotel through a partnership with the Ramada Encore hotel management brand, which will oversee the operations of Damodar Group’s 40-room hotel at Damodar City. Named Ramada Encore by Wyndham at Damodar City Labasa, this hotel is anticipated to significantly boost the local tourism industry as well as Fiji’s overall tourism sector.
Div Damodar, the chief executive officer of Damodar Group, announced the development this week and highlighted the positive economic impacts it will bring. He expressed confidence that this venture will attract further international brands to Vanua Levu, thereby setting a new trend for the region.
According to Mr. Damodar, the hotel project is expected to enhance the economic landscape of Labasa, particularly in terms of tourism and employment opportunities. He reflected on the success of the Damodar City Labasa complex, which has already drawn over 60 tenants and created more than 1,500 jobs, directly and indirectly.
Initially, the Damodar Group planned to operate the hotel themselves without a partnership with an established brand. However, last year they were approached by the Wyndham group, prompting them to reconsider their strategy. After assessing the market opportunities, they decided to move forward with bringing the first branded hotel to Vanua Levu.
The emphasis behind this initiative is to attract more investments to the North, especially following the introduction of the Look North policy by the previous government. This policy highlighted the untapped potential of the region, which Mr. Damodar believes has great economic prospects.
Mr. Damodar shared that the initial skepticism from people when they announced their expansion into Labasa has transformed into excitement as the development progresses. The presence of major brands, like Extra Supermarket and S Nagindas, is already making a difference for local farmers and businesses alike.
The hotel is set to open by the end of this year or early next year and will feature 40 rooms, including three suites, a swimming pool, an 80-seater conference area, a restaurant, a gym, and a bar. Mr. Damodar promises that the establishment will meet the needs of leisure and business travelers alike, emphasizing the regular flight connectivity between Suva and Labasa.
He is committed to expanding Damodar Group’s tourism interests further and exploring opportunities in other regions across Fiji.