Geoffrey Shaw, the former owner of Castaway Island in Fiji and director of Tokoriki Island Resort, has died. Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, which Shaw co-owned until selling his shares in 2014, paid tribute to him on its Facebook page, noting that he “very gently passed away on the morning of Sunday, September 22, 2024.”
The resort described him as “a gentleman and pioneer” for whom Fiji will be forever grateful and added that he will always hold a place in the hearts of those associated with Outrigger Fiji. They extended their sincere condolences to Mr. Shaw’s family and wished him eternal peace.
An advocate for environmental sustainability in tourism development, Shaw served as chairman of the Mamanuca Environment Society from 2004 until his death. Castaway Island, now operated by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, was one of the founding members of the Society.
In 2022, Shaw was appointed to the board of directors of Tokoriki Island Resort by owners Andrew Turnbull and family, who acknowledged his extensive experience, boasting over 50 years in the Fiji tourism sector. Shaw bought the iconic Castaway Island in 1992, established Outrigger on the Coral Coast in 2000, and was heavily involved in the management, marketing, and strategic decisions for both resorts, which employed over 800 staff.
In 2014, Shaw sold both resorts, comprising 320 rooms, to Outrigger Hotels Hawaii. He also held significant roles as deputy chairman of Tourism Fiji and as chairman of Airports Fiji Ltd.