The long-awaited road construction along Wailoaloa Road in Nadi has officially begun, bringing relief to resort owners and tourists. This vital route, which connects popular resorts and apartments, has been in disrepair for years, making access challenging for visitors to the area.
Shaun Parsons, General Manager of Crowne Plaza, expressed that the poor condition of the road often left a negative first impression on tourists. He stated, “When they hit this Wailoaloa stretch of road, it has been something that we’ve been hearing commentary on from our guests. I don’t think it’s the greatest first impression when you’re coming into Fiji.” However, he shared his optimism about the current roadworks, which he believes will create a smoother and more welcoming experience for visitors.
Saliceni Raiwalui, Chair of the Nadi Town Council Special Administrators, highlighted the importance of development in this key tourism region. He stated, “Development is part of the tourism drive, and we will play our part in developing and ensuring the roads are easily accessible for all, especially the tourists coming to this area.”
Both local officials and resort owners share a hopeful outlook regarding the impact of these improvements on tourism in Nadi. The renovation of Wailoaloa Road is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing the overall visitor experience, potentially leading to increased tourist satisfaction and a boost for the local economy.
This development echoes previous initiatives in Fiji aimed at improving infrastructure, such as the recent inauguration of a new access road in the Wailailai Melanesia community on Ovalau. There, residents had faced difficulties for more than 40 years due to poor access, but the new road has provided a significant uplift in connectivity and daily life for the community, resonating with the improvements now underway in Nadi.
As both regions embrace these positive changes, it reinforces the commitment to fostering better access and experiences for all, paving the way for a brighter future in tourism and community engagement.
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