Tonga's first luxury five star hotel is to be built on the small island of Taunga in Vava'u by Warwick International Hotels, whose president and founder Richard Chiu announced on the island yesterday that he expects construction to start at the end of 2010 or early 2011.

Mr and Mrs Chiu visited Taunga on February 1 with the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele and the estate owner of the island, 'Akau'ola and other officials.

The Warwick Group first confirmed their interest on the island in February 2007, when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 'Akau'ola for a five-star hotel to be built on the island once an arrangement with regards to the land was finalized.

The Chiu's wanted to visit and see the island for themselves. They were accompanied by Warwick's Senior Vice President Tammie Tam.

They were welcomed to Taunga by 'Akau'ola, members of his family and clan in a traditional way, and after a prayer and a kava ceremony walked the full length of the property, which includes two islands, Taunga about three kilometres in length and the adjacent small island, Ngau.

Richard Chiu waded across to Ngau, and was excited to see baby sharks crossing their path.



The visit was concluded with a feast, and a speech by Richard who announced that he expected construction would start around the end of this year or early in 2011. Also visiting the island were the CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, Sakopo Lolohea, a Vava'u Hotel Owner, Tommy Fa, and a contingent of the local media.

The Warwick International Hotels have over 40 hotels worldwide, including city hotels and resorts, in Austria, Belgium, China, Fiji Islands, France, Bali, Italy, Czech Republic, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Tahiti, Thailand, The Netherlands and Vanuatu. They are part of an International Hospitality Alliance with Mirvac Hotels & Resorts (43 hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu) and Gloria Hotels and Resorts (over 17 hotels in China).

Warwick International Hotels was founded by Richard in 1980 when he purchased the Warwick Hotel in New York from William Randolph Hearst. Since then the group has expanded rapidly establishing a reputation for combining local characteristics with attentive service to its clients in elegant and luxurious settings.