Fiji grants first casino licence
The Fijian Government has granted the country’s first exclusive gaming licence to US-based One Hundred Sands Limited – the company developing a US$290 million luxury casino resort on Denarau Island.
The first phase of development will see 190 hotel rooms and three restaurants, with the second phase to add further accommodation, a nightclub, entertainment venues and a 1,500-seat convention centre.
The casino area will feature 500 slot machines and 54 table games.
“It is important with all new investment projects – both internal and international – that we protect the rights and interests of Fijians, and provide for the prosperity of our nation,†Fiji’s prime minister, Frank Bainimarama said.
The development is expected to create upwards of 800 jobs for local residents.
The groundbreaking for the gaming facilities, new convention centre and luxury hotel has been tentatively set for March 2012.
Meanwhile, well-travelled hotel executive Michael Meade has been appointed as acting CEO of Tourism Fiji.
An Australian national, Meade has held senior management and marketing roles in some of the world’s leading hospitality and aviation brands.
These include the InterContinental Hotels Group, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Southern Pacific Hotels Corporation, Rendezvous Hospitality Group, Jin Jiang Hotels China and British Airways.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
Qatar Airways offers reduced timetable to over 60 destinations
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Marginal increase for New York City tourism in 2025
Hands In, UATP join forces for airline multi-card payments