Geoffrey Shaw, the former owner of Castaway Island in Fiji and director of Tokoriki Island Resort, has passed away. The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, which Mr. Shaw co-owned until selling his shares in 2014, paid tribute to him on their Facebook page, stating he “very gently passed away” on the morning of September 22, 2024.
The resort described him as a “gentleman and pioneer” to whom Fiji will always be grateful, noting that he would remain in the hearts of those at Outrigger Fiji. They extended their heartfelt condolences to Mr. Shaw’s family, wishing him eternal peace.
A strong advocate for environmental sustainability in tourism, Mr. Shaw served as chairman of the Mamanuca Environment Society since 2004. Castaway Island was a founding member of this society, which is now operated by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.
In 2022, Mr. Shaw was appointed to the board of directors of Tokoriki Island Resort by its owners, Andrew Turnbull and family. The Turnbull family highlighted his extensive knowledge of the Fiji tourism sector, accumulated over more than 50 years in the industry. Mr. Shaw purchased the iconic Castaway Island in 1992, opened Outrigger on the Coral Coast in 2000, and was deeply involved in the management and strategic decisions for both resorts while overseeing a team of over 800 staff.
In 2014, he sold both resorts, which collectively had 320 rooms, to Outrigger Hotels Hawaii. Additionally, Mr. Shaw held the position of deputy chairman of Tourism Fiji and chairman of Airports Fiji Ltd.