InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa has become a founding partner of the Hanua Ocean Initiative, a Fiji-based programme that combines youth surfing, ocean education, and cultural stewardship. The partnership, which also involves Grand Pacific Hotel Suva and Holiday Inn Suva, includes a founding investment of FJ$12,000 (US$5,400) to support Hanua's ocean-centred activities.
The initiative's flagship event, the Hanua Ocean Surf Fest, is scheduled for 10 October 2026, coinciding with Fiji Day. Hosted at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in Natadola, the festival is expected to draw around 80 participants and guests. The programme will feature youth surfing sessions, ocean education workshops, cultural performances, and storytelling.
Strategic alignment with IHG's responsible business goals
Lachlan Walker, Regional General Manager for Fiji and Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, underscored the significance of the collaboration. "Natadola is one of Fiji's most special coastal destinations and one of the best beaches on Viti Levu, making InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa a natural home for a programme centred on surfing, young people and the ocean," he said.
Hannah Bennett, Founder and Executive Director of Hanua, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. "Having InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa join us as a founding partner gives us an important platform to grow that work," she noted.
The partnership aligns with IHG's Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, which focuses on community engagement and environmental stewardship. By supporting Hanua, the resort aims to foster a deeper connection between young Fijians and their ocean heritage, while also enhancing the destination's appeal to culturally conscious travellers.
For travel professionals, this move reflects a broader trend in the hospitality sector: integrating local community initiatives into resort operations to strengthen brand positioning and guest experience. Similar efforts are visible across the region, such as Meliá's new oceanfront retreat in Vietnam, which also emphasises local engagement.
The Hanua Ocean Surf Fest is expected to become an annual event, potentially drawing surf tourism to Natadola. With Fiji's reputation as a premier surf destination, the festival could attract international visitors, boosting the local economy and reinforcing the resort's role as a community hub.
Walker added that the resort's location and facilities make it ideal for such initiatives. "We are proud to support Hanua's vision and to provide a platform for young people to connect with the ocean in a meaningful way," he said.
Bennett highlighted the importance of partnerships in scaling Hanua's impact. "This support allows us to expand our programmes and reach more communities across Fiji," she said.
The investment also underscores the growing importance of sustainability and social responsibility in travel decisions. As more travellers seek authentic experiences, resorts that actively support local culture and environment are likely to gain a competitive edge.
For agents and tour operators, the Hanua Ocean Surf Fest offers a new reason to promote Fiji as a destination that combines adventure with cultural immersion. The event's timing around Fiji Day adds a festive element, potentially appealing to travellers looking for unique cultural experiences.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one demonstrate how hotels can go beyond traditional hospitality to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.
