InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa Named Founding Partner of Hanua Ocean Initiative

Thursday, 27 August 2026 (Natadola, Fiji): InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, supported by sister properties Grand Pacific Hotel Suva and Holiday Inn Suva, has joined Hanua as a founding partner, backing a locally founded initiative that uses surfing, ocean education and cultural storytelling to strengthen young people’s connection to Fiji’s communities and marine environment.

The partnership includes a founding investment of FJ$12,000 towards the development and delivery of Hanua’s ocean-centred programmes, including youth surfing, ocean education, cultural preservation and community engagement.

Its first major activation will be the Hanua Ocean Surf Fest, hosted at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in Natadola on Saturday, 10 October 2026, Fiji Day. The community-led experience is expected to bring together approximately 80 invited participants and guests for a programme combining youth surfing, ocean education, culture and storytelling. Fiji Day is officially observed as a public holiday on 10 October 2026.

Designed as more than a surf competition, the programme uses surfing as a point of connection between young people, families, community partners and the ocean. Activities planned for the day include a youth surf participation experience, ocean education and a hands-on plastic art workshop, cultural performance, Pacific storytelling and an evening surf and ocean film programme. Thirty young participants are also expected to take part in the daytime ocean education and plastic art programme.

Hanua describes its purpose as using surfing, storytelling and stewardship to reconnect Pacific communities, particularly young people, with place, identity and traditional approaches to caring for their environment. Its programmes include surf-based youth initiatives, the Hanua Surf Festival and Pacific-focused media and storytelling.

“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.” commented Lachlan Walker, Regional General Manager, Fiji and Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “With such an incredible environment on our doorstep comes a responsibility to help care for it and support the communities connected to it. Hanua creates a meaningful way for young people to experience the ocean, learn from it and understand their role in protecting it for the future.”

“This partnership also reflects IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan and our commitment to making a positive difference in the communities where we operate. Hosting the inaugural Ocean Surf Fest at Natadola on Fiji Day brings those priorities together in a way that feels genuinely local.”

Hannah Bennett, Founder and Executive Director of Hanua, said:

“Hanua was created from the belief that surfing can be much more than a sport. It can build confidence, strengthen connection and give young people a meaningful way to engage with the ocean, culture and community.

“Having InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa join us as a founding partner gives us an important platform to grow that work. The Ocean Surf Fest brings surfing together with education, storytelling and cultural connection, creating an experience that reflects who we are as Pacific people and the relationship we have with the sea.

“To bring that to life at Natadola on Fiji Day makes the occasion even more significant, and we hope it becomes something young people and communities can continue to be part of in the years ahead.”

Supporting facts

  • Founding partner investment: FJ$12,000 towards Hanua’s ocean-centred programmes and the Hanua Ocean Surf Fest.
  • Event: Hanua Ocean Surf Fest
  • Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026, Fiji Day.
  • Host venue: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Natadola, Fiji.
  • Expected audience: Approximately 60 to 80 invited participants and guests.
  • Youth programme: 30 young participants are expected for the Ocean Education and Plastic Art Workshop.
  • Programme themes: Youth surfing, ocean education, sailing, culture, storytelling and community connection.
  • Portfolio support: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa leads the partnership, supported by Grand Pacific Hotel Suva and Holiday Inn Suva.
  • Responsible business alignment: The partnership is most closely aligned with the Communities pillar of IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan.

ENDS

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Media Contact

[Krishnil Prasad, +679 673 3300 +679 998 2641] 
[[email protected]]

Notes to Editors

About FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels

FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels portfolio includes InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel and Holiday Inn Suva.

The award-winning luxury resort is just 55 minutes from Nadi International Airport yet feels remote and secluded. Echoing the layout of a traditional Fijian village, the resort’s rooms and suites are spread out across 35 acres of beachside tropical gardens. 

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