Mana Island resort having established itself as one of the premier hotels in Fiji is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Monday November 5, 2012.

Since its establishment in 1972, the resort has come along with major developments taking place on the island.

Mana Island Resorts General Manager Masao Tanaka said, “Fiji has the potential to maximize its returns in the tourism industry and for this year alone tourism arrival recorded the highest number from Australia and New Zealand.

“This is encouraging because of the major developments happening on the island like the newly built spa facilities and the beach “bures” and for next year we are looking at upgrading the old buildings that were built since its inception”.

Mr Tanaka adds, one of the major developments the resorts is envisaging for the new year is to boost their honeymoon programs in the resort and this is expected to open up the markets in the India, Chinese and European market for the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, for returnee family spending their past holiday vacations it has never been better than the warm hospitality on Mana Island.

Cathy Mears from Australia has been choosing Fiji as their holiday destination for the past 12years and being part of the 40th anniversary is icing on the cake she explains.

“I love the Fijian hospitality, it gives us that sense of belonging and we can proudly say that there is no place to spend your holiday but right here on  Mana,” she said.

Mrs. Mears adds, “ we are privileged to be part of this celebrations and for resort to come this far is major achievement and I give credit to the management for their hospitality and services”.

Similar sentiments were shared by New Zealand family from Auckland that have been spending the last eight days on the island.

Nicki Manning said, “this is  first time on the island, its great one thing that I love is the hospitality and smiling and caring people in Fiji”.

“Fiji has the potential to grow in the tourism sector and to compliment the Fijian hospitality is just amazing,” Mrs. Manning said.

The 40th anniversary celebration was officially opened by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.