Labasa is set to welcome its first internationally branded hotel through a collaboration with Ramada Encore, an international hotel management brand, which will oversee the Damodar Group’s 40-room hotel located at Damodar City in Labasa.
The hotel, named Ramada Encore by Wyndham at Damodar City Labasa, is expected to enhance the local tourism sector and contribute positively to Fiji’s tourism landscape.
Div Damodar, the CEO of Damodar Group, announced the development this week and highlighted the benefits that the hotel will bring to the region. “We believe this will catalyze the entry of other brands into Vanua Levu, setting a trend that will soon become apparent,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the project will have a significant impact on the local economy, influencing business growth, tourism, and employment rates. “This kickstarts the arrival of more brands in Vanua Levu,” he stated. The Damodar City Labasa complex, which involved a $60 million investment, has already attracted over 60 tenants and created more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, illustrating the potential of the new hotel to further transform the area.
Initially, Damodar Group intended to operate the hotel independently. However, after being approached by Wyndham last year about a potential partnership, they decided to move forward with the collaboration, recognizing the gap in the market for a branded hotel.
The initiative aims to draw more investors to the North, influenced by the Look North policy introduced by the previous government. “Despite its historical stigma, Vanua Levu has significant untapped opportunities,” Damodar explained.
The local community’s response to the expansion into Labasa has been positive. When first announced, there were questions about the choice of location, but the success of Damodar City has since altered perceptions. Other brands, including Extra Supermarket and S Nagindas, are also expanding into Labasa, showcasing the area’s growth potential.
The hotel, which is projected to open by the end of this year or in early 2025, will feature 40 rooms, including three suites, a swimming pool, an 80-seater conference area, a restaurant, a gym, and a bar, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
Div Damodar noted that with frequent flights between Suva and Labasa, there is significant confidence in the potential of Vanua Levu. He invites other investors to consider opportunities in the region as the Damodar Group plans further expansion in the tourism industry across the country.