Fiji Wins Bid to Host Global Beauty Therapy Congress
Fiji has won the bid to host the annual CIDESCO Congress at the Sheraton Fiji Resort and Spa in September 2020.
This was confirmed by Essence of Fiji Group Director Debra Sadranu.
CIDESCO (Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétology) is a major global beauty therapy association.
Ms Sadranu attended the CIDESCO 2018 congress with the company’s sales and marketing executive Jessy Mocelutu in Stockholm, Sweden, last week.
It has been a dream come true for Ms Sadranu, she says.
She has been bidding to host the event since Essence of Fiji became affiliated with the international body three years ago.
“Essence of Fiji Group is the leading body in the country along with our training academy – Spa Academy Fiji,” Ms Sadranu said.
“The academy became an accredited by CIDESCO School in 2016, which was a huge achievement to have this recognition in our small Pacific nation.”
Ms Sadranu was asked to be a keynote speaker at CIDESCO’s world congress in Dublin that year (2016).
She spoke about how she has integrated training with tourism and the impact it had on the livelihoods of women in Fiji.
Ms Sadranu said: “We then were approved at the world congress last year in Mumbai to establish a CIDESCO section under the head body based in Switzerland, which we have established this year.”
In an interview, Ms Sadranu speaks about her plans leading up to 2020’s congress, which will be a first for Fiji.
Excerpts from the interview:
Why did you opt to take that chance?
I have been training and providing employment opportunities for women in Fiji for over 20 years and operating our own Spa, Chain Senikai Spas.
However, the need to support industry was desperately required.
Spa tourism is the second largest channel for foreign earnings outside of hotels.
CIDESCO branding puts Fiji on the global map for spa tourism, showcasing expertise and international standards for visiting Spa enthusiasts.
This is very exciting for Fiji, with up to 500 delegates of the most experienced and credible CIDESCO representatives from around the world, we can showcase what our Island destination has to offer in spa tourism.
What have your aspirations been in recent years?
I reckon it has been one of our aspirations to bring the congress over.
My drive and passion is and has always been to develop the beauty and spa industry, create empowerment for women and provide international standards in spa tourism.
To achieve this, we must continue to elevate our standards and keep up with the ever-evolving trends on a global level.
CIDESCO provides us with the appropriate quality assurance and industry updates to ensure we are continuously maintaining International standards.
How important is event to be brought forward to Fiji?
Very important. Fiji should be so proud to have an industry that makes such an impact on the livelihoods of our people.
Resorts should be eager to showcase the investments made on their superb spa facilities.
Fiji, we know can facilitate a congress and holiday destination that will be a truly unique experience for CIDESCO delegates.
How will the congress boost Fijian tourism?
This Congress will give enormous value to us as a spa tourism destination, with marketing gain and connecting Fiji to CIDESCO sections and stakeholders globally.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj