Nadi, Fiji – 26 June 2025 – Nama Fiji is proud to announce that it will host the prestigious CIDESCO International World Congress from 28–31 August 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, marking a major milestone for the beauty and wellness industry in the Pacific. This will be the first time the global event is held in Fiji, and indeed in the South Pacific, bringing together internationally recognised beauty and spa leaders, educators, and innovators.
CIDESCO (Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie), headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is the world’s leading authority on Beauty and Spa Therapy, with members across more than 56 countries. Hosting the 2026 Congress is a significant moment not only for Fiji but for the broader region, positioning the country as a premier destination for spa tourism, wellness education, and sustainable trade.
Nama Fiji, together with its CIDESCO-accredited Spa Academy Fiji, will lead the event organisation. The Congress will highlight Fiji’s natural resources, skilled therapists, and emerging wellness economy, while also showcasing local innovation and Pacific Island culture to an international audience.
Debra Sadranu, founder and Managing Director of Nama Fiji and Spa Academy Fiji, reflected on the announcement, saying, “Hosting the CIDESCO World Congress in Fiji is a proud moment not just for our company, but for the entire Spa and Wellness industry across the Pacific. It reflects over two decades of work in building pathways for rural women, raising international standards, and celebrating the healing power of our environment.”
The four-day event will include a trade show focused on locally sourced skincare products and Pacific botanicals, a careers expo connecting Spa Academy graduates and regional therapists with hotel and resort opportunities, and a CIDESCO Education Summit featuring trainers, assessors, and industry leaders from around the world. Each component of the Congress is designed to drive education, employment, and innovation.
Speaking in support of the event, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, said, “The hosting of the CIDESCO World Congress in Fiji highlights our nation’s growing influence in sustainable tourism, trade, and education. We are proud to support initiatives that empower local women, build export capacity, and promote Fiji’s organic and wellness industries on the world stage.”
The event is also being recognised as a major step forward for employment and professional development in Fiji. With guaranteed job placements for Spa Academy graduates and growing demand for spa therapists across the resort sector, the Congress is expected to accelerate meaningful career pathways for many Fijians.
Gerard Gordon, Executive Director of CIDESCO International, welcomed the announcement, saying, “We are thrilled to bring the CIDESCO Congress to Fiji in 2026. This will be an opportunity to experience first-hand the warmth, professionalism, and natural gifts that make Fiji a truly exceptional spa destination. Fiji’s commitment to education, fair trade, and sustainability aligns beautifully with CIDESCO’s global values.”
Nama Fiji’s role in hosting the Congress also continues its mission of supporting sustainable development and inclusive growth. Its spa training and nama harvesting programmes provide employment and skills development for rural women, while championing ethical sourcing and the use of natural, local ingredients in skincare.
