Yatu Lau Company Limited is contemplating a partnership with international brands for economic reasons, according to Chairman Viliame Leqa. He noted that any such collaboration would occur at a later stage.
Responding to questions regarding the potential outsourcing of management for the group’s tourism properties, Mr. Leqa mentioned that these internal discussions were new to him. He clarified, “At this stage, Yatu Lau Company Limited does not intend to outsource the management of any existing hotel properties to overseas international brands.” Nonetheless, he added, “In the near future, we may explore opportunities to collaborate with international brands if the economic situation calls for it.”
Mr. Leqa suggested analyzing Fijian Holdings Limited and Fiji National Provident Fund’s partnerships with multinational companies to gain insight into how global business models function. He emphasized that they are currently in an exploratory phase and have not committed to any specific course of action.
According to SunBiz, there are considerations for another local tourism management operator following preliminary inquiries with Parkside Hotel Group about managing the resort.
The prospect of outsourcing to a global brand has raised concerns among local employees at Yatu Lau, with some fearing they may need to seek new employment.
An email from Yatu Lau’s Chief Financial Officer Indika Weerasekara to a handful of executives, including Mr. Leqa, revealed that Parkside Hotel Group had presented a “more profitable” proposal regarding the Lagoon resort. Parkside Hotel Group (Fiji) claims to operate in various countries including the United States, United Kingdom, China, and several others, listing Fiji among its operating locations.
Records from the Registrar of Companies indicate that Parkside Hotel Group Fiji was registered last year, with two directors named: Viliame and Pramod. Local director Viliame Rodan confirmed he was the registered face of the company but claimed he distanced himself from Parkside two or three years ago, although his name remains tied to it. Mr. Rodan mentioned he now works as a consultant and declined to disclose details about his role. He indicated that Parkside is owned by Pramod J Patel, who resides in the United States and could not be reached for comment.
Documentation from Parkside’s draft agreement dated July 1, 2024, cites its registration at an address in London, which has since changed as per the UK government’s Companies House records, noting that Parkside was dissolved in June last year. The UK’s Companies House indicated that Mr. Patel, born in 1959, was previously connected to the company’s ownership before the name change.
Parkside lists notable affiliates such as Air France, Disney, and SkyTeam and manages several properties. SkyTeam responded with an automated message indicating a reply would come within five working days.
The Lagoon Resort in Deuba is one of the three tourism properties owned by Yatu Lau Company, which was established in 1972 by the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to serve as an investment vehicle for Lauans. In 2007, the company’s structure changed, allowing non-Lauan members to hold shares as B Class shareholders.
In internal correspondence dated July 1, 2024, Mr. Weerasekara stated that Parkside Hotel Group’s potential profitability could benefit Yatu Lau Company’s management of the Lagoon property. He emphasized his ongoing relationship with Parkside Hotel Group’s vice president of worldwide operations, PJ Patel, who has been consistently advocating for management of Yatu Lau Holdings Company.
Mr. Weerasekara noted that he had discussed these proposals with Mr. Patel and anticipated further negotiations regarding the rates. Parkside’s documentation lists Mr. Patel alongside John Kramer, the CEO and vice president of Parkside Hotel Group Ltd (United Kingdom), as executives on their stationery.