Yatu Lau Company Limited is contemplating potential collaborations with international brands for economic advantages, according to its chairman Viliame Leqa. However, he noted that any such move is likely to occur at a later date.
In response to inquiries about outsourcing the management of the company’s tourism properties, Mr. Leqa remarked that he was only now hearing of these internal discussions. He confirmed that Yatu Lau Company Limited currently has no plans to outsource the management of its hotel properties to any overseas international brand. However, he expressed an openness to exploring partnerships with international brands in the future if the economic situation warrants it.
He encouraged those interested to look into Fijian Holdings Limited and the Fiji National Provident Fund to understand how global business models operate in terms of partnerships with multinational companies for brand and management outsourcing. Mr. Leqa emphasized that the company is still in an exploratory phase and has not yet reached a decision regarding this matter.
Sources have indicated that a local tourism management operator is being considered after initial inquiries were made with Parkside Hotel Group about managing the resort. This potential outsourcing has raised concerns among local employees at Yatu Lau, who fear they may face job losses.
In further developments, an email from Yatu Lau’s chief financial officer, Indika Weerasekara, to company executives revealed that Parkside Hotel Group had presented a “more profitable” proposal for the Lagoon Resort. Parkside Hotel Group claims to have operations in multiple countries, including the USA, UK, and various Asian nations.
According to the Registrar of Companies, Parkside Hotel Group was registered last year with two directors, Viliame and Pramod. Local director Viliame Rodan confirmed his association with the company but noted that he distanced himself from Parkside about two or three years ago.
Documentation indicates that Parkside was registered at an address in London, which changed in 2022, and the company was dissolved in June of the previous year. The ownership history details a shift in significant control in the company, with Parkside listing several partnerships with major brands such as Air France and Disney.
The Lagoon Resort in Deuba is part of three tourism properties owned by Yatu Lau Company. Founded in 1972, Yatu Lau has evolved into a vehicle for investment among Lauans and now allows non-Lauan members to hold stakes in the company.
In internal communications, Mr. Weerasekara noted that Parkside’s proposal could enhance the profitability of Yatu Lau’s Lagoon property through effective management. He mentioned maintaining ongoing discussions with Parkside’s vice president, PJ Patel, who has consistently expressed interest in managing Yatu Lau Holdings Company.