15 May 2025, Denarau Island, Nadi, Fiji – The Fiji Tourism Exchange (FTE) 2025 concluded successfully at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resortthis week, reaffirming its position as a premier venue for one of the South Pacific’s most significant tourism events. Over three dynamic days, the resort welcomed global travel trade & tourism professionals, facilitated impactful dialogue, and showcased the vibrancy and diversity of Fiji’s world-class hospitality.
At the heart of the event was the Denarau Island Convention Centre (DICC)—the largest event facility in the South Pacific. Spanning 1,755 square meters of flexible, fully air-conditioned space, the DICC can accommodate up to 1,600 delegates. Seamlessly integrated into the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort landscape, the DICC provided an exceptional venue for high-level meetings, trade exhibitions, and industry networking.
FTE 2025 brought together over 550 participants from 19 countries, including 138 international buyers and 84 sellers, resulting in more than 4,000 scheduled appointments—a testament to the event’s global reach and its pivotal role in strengthening international tourism partnerships.
A Multi-Venue Showcase of Fijian Hospitality
Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort curated a rich, multi-venue experience across its expansive property:
- Opening Ceremony at the iconic Sandy Point Beach Club: Guests were welcomed with a sunset celebration featuring live entertainment and special curated Fijian cuisine featuring an exuberant selection of the best catch of the ocean and meat cuts including land produce, setting a vibrant tone for the week.
- Gin High Tea at Cellar & Barrel: Local and international media were treated to a refined luncheon at the resort’s newly launched premium speakeasy, offering a first look at one of Fiji’s most exciting new venues for premium wine, whiskey, and bespoke hospitality.
- Koro Market Experience at Heineken House: Hosted by Tourism Fiji North America for their American based buyers who were treated to an immersive experience of local flavors and artisanal culture, highlighting the versatility of Marriott’s venues in delivering culturally rich experiences.
Throughout the event, Marriott International Fiji Resorts Sales & Distribution Leadership Team, in collaboration with resort culinary teams, activated the trade floor with artisan coffee, handcrafted treats, and afternoon tastings—each reflecting the unique character of Marriott’s Fijian properties.
“Fiji continues to emerge as a premier destination for events like the Fiji Tourism Expo, at Marriott, with world class venues like the Denarau Island Convention Centre (DICC) and our diverse resort offerings, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver seamless, culturally rich and purpose driven experiences for any group or event,” said Neeraj Chadha, Area GM & VP Pacific Islands – Marriott International.
He added, “Our people bring Fijian hospitality to life every day. Our teams are passionate about creating events that not only meet business objectives but also leave a lasting connection to the spirit of Fiji. We also have exceptional partners in the business that help create these experiences.”
A Transformative Time for Marriott in Fiji
FTE 2025 coincided with a period of exciting transformation in guest experiences across Marriott International Fiji Hotels portfolio:
- Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort unveiled new culinary destinations including Cellar & Barrel, air conditioned 28g, and Island 619 Fijian Mom’s Dinner for Mother’s Day activation alongside a revitalized beach club atmosphere and roving beverage activations.
- Sheraton Denarau Villas introduced a new Pan-Asian menu at Wet Edge, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.
- Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay advanced its sustainability journey with progressive solar installations, immersive guest programming like the Momi Bay Eco Warriors, and welcomed Michelin-star trained Executive Chef Shanmuga Ravi. The resort is also looking forward to the Lexus 2025 WSL Finals in Fiji later in the year as the iconic Cloudbreak surf site is directly accessible in 20minutes from Momi Bay.
- Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island Fiji offered premium island stays enriched by ‘Feet in Ocean’ Cocktail Masterclasses and authentic village experiences.
Marriott International Fiji Resorts Advance People Strategy with Leadership Development and Government Collaboration
The Marriott Fiji Resorts continue to strengthen their People Strategy with key initiatives aimed at developing local talent and fostering strategic partnerships.
The Fiji Marriott Training Academy is evolving steadily, with early-stage collaboration underway between the Resorts and government institutions. This partnership is expected to expand, creating new pathways for skills development and employment within the hospitality sector.
In a significant step forward, the Resorts will launch Veiliutaki, a leadership training program commencing in June. This initiative is designed to identify and nurture high-potential local talent, preparing them for senior leadership roles within the organization.
Further reinforcing this commitment to future leadership, the Resorts have also established the Next Gen Business Council—a platform dedicated to recognizing and grooming emerging young leaders across the business.
Sustainability remained a central theme, with Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort achieving Earth Check Bronze certification and the rest of the resorts within the portfolio are progressively working towards this global accreditation. Marriott’s ongoing investments in solar energy, local sourcing, and low-impact infrastructure reflect its alignment with FTE 2025’s theme: Purposeful Growth.
“Our commitment to sustainability and community drives meaningful progress,” said Neeraj Chadha, Area GM & VP Pacific Islands, Marriott International.
As FTE 2025 concluded, Marriott International Resorts in Fiji reaffirmed commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community led growth – continuing to elevate Fiji as a premier global destination.
