Wyndham Hotel Group has announced the continued rapid expansion of its Ramada brand in the South Pacific with the signing of a franchise agreement for the waterfront 80-room Ramada Resort Akiriki in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on the island of Efate.
The AUD$30M development, expected to open in January 2016, is located five minutes from the heart of Port Vila and just a 10-minute drive from Bauerfield International Airport. The four-star resort is nestled on the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon, offering guests unobstructed views of the sandy white beaches and turquoise waters of Erakor Island.
The franchise announcement follows recent announcements from Wyndham Hotel Group of new Ramada resorts in Christchurch, Queenstown and Rotorua in New Zealand, as well as in Shoal Bay, New South Wales and Kooralbyn in Australia, further cementing the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the South Pacific.
Globally, the Ramada brand portfolio includes more than 830 hotels in more than 40 countries, including 12 hotels currently open and operating throughout the South Pacific.
“Our movement into Vanuatu marks another milestone in the expansion of Wyndham Hotel Group brands throughout South East Asia and the Pacific Rim, as we continue to provide guests with world-class properties and service in exciting, desirable locations,” said Barry Robinson, president and managing director of Wyndham Hotel Group, South East Asia and Pacific Rim. “The addition of the beachfront Ramada Resort Akiriki will help us meet the growing demand for quality accommodations in this region’s key markets, especially in tropical beach locations like Port Vila.”
Currently under construction by owner Akiriki Limited, the hotel will offer studios and one- and two-bedroom suites. It will feature state-of-the-art facilities including an onsite restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, a gym and two conference rooms that will accommodate up to 140 guests.
“We are thrilled to be working with such a globally respected brand like Ramada,” said Loic Bernier, director of Akiriki Limited. “This relationship makes for a positive move for us and for the region. We expect this new resort to boost business and leisure travel to the area and we anticipate that it will be very well-received by tourists and locals alike.”
Ramada Resort Akiriki is located within close proximity to the area’s many attractions, including stunning beaches and islands, and offers guests immediate access to an array of water sports such as snorkeling, diving and jet skiing. One of the most popular activities amongst visitors to the island of Efate is a trip to Mele Cascades, a series of beautiful waterfalls, which are only a 15-minute drive from Port Vila.
