October 2024 - Marriott International Fiji Resorts is excited to announce the launch of its partnership with the Markets for Change project, a UN Women initiative supported by UNDP and the Government of Australia. This partnership was inaugurated with a market visitation to female vendors at Namaka Market in Nadi on Friday, 18th October 2024.

UN Women Australia CEO Simone Clarke and UN and resort representatives visited Namaka Market with Nadi Town Council CEO Mr. Muni Gopal and Ms. Vaciseva Mateiwai from the Namaka Market Vendors Association. They toured the Women's Accommodation Centre to witness the impact of the Markets for Change initiative and were introduced to the female vendors under the support scheme.

Driving this initiative in partnership with senior hotel executives is Marriott International Fiji Resorts' Next Gen Business Council, made up a team of dynamic young leaders from The Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort and Sheraton Denarau Villas, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay and Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island Fiji. These resorts are renowned for their exceptional hospitality as well as for their commitment to sustainable tourism. This partnership and events underscore Marriott's ongoing efforts to empower local communities and reflect the cluster of resorts' dedication to gender equality and responsible tourism across Fiji.

“At Marriott International, we focus on making a real impact in local communities and our partnership with UN Women embodies this. By empowering female vendors and supporting local charities, we create safer, more inclusive marketplaces and strengthen community ties,” said Neeraj Chadha, Multi-Property Vice President Pacific Islands, Marriott International, and General Manager of Sheraton & Westin Resorts – Fiji Complex.

To align with the market visitation, Marriott associates and guests came together on Saturday, 19th October for a Road to Give 2024 charitable event at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club. Nearly 200 participants joined the event, which featured a light breakfast, lucky door prizes, and participation t-shirts. Through a mix of walking, running, and cycling, participants covered over 100 kilometers, raising FJD7455.95 which will be donated towards the Markets for Change initiative.

Marriott International Fiji Resorts continued its charitable efforts with a Pre-Diwali Women's Luncheon at Heineken House, Denarau Golf & Racquet Club on Wednesday, 23rd October, at FJD125 per person with part of the proceeds supporting UN Women's project to improve conditions for women market vendors.

As Marriott International strengthens its ties with local communities, events like Road to Give 2024 and the Pre-Diwali Women's Luncheon are key examples of how collective efforts can create lasting, positive change.

-ENDS -

For more information please contact;

Bel Stratton

Senior Account Executive, The Mint Partners

M: +61 424 594 280

bel@themintpartners.com.au

Sera Cawanibuka-Seruvatu

Market Director of Marketing – Fiji & Samoa

Marriott International Fiji Resorts 

M: + (679) 9904538  

Seracawanibuka.seruvatu@marriott.com

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