Paga Hill a spectacular view to build iconic hotel: Lachlan Hoswell, CEO Radisson Blu Hotels group
THE Managing Director of Radisson Blu Hotels Group, Australiasia Mr. Lachlan Hoswell has arrived in Papua New Guinea to meet with Paga Hill Development Company and government of PNG for the construction of Radisson Blu Hotel on Paga Hill Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
This is the first ever visit for Radisson MD Hoswell to PNG and he was impressed with the site and promised to deliver a world class hotel that will be a facelift for PNG and the region.
He said Radisson Hotels group owns over 600 hotels worldwide and it’s the second largest hotel group in the world.
“It’s really exciting for us to have an iconic hotel in PNG. It has spectacular views and a best location and we are really excited to partner with.
“We understand PNG had some challenges. For the world’s second largest group we have 680 Hotels globally and we are excited to establish a flagship brand in Paga Hill,” Radisson said.
Paga Hill Estate Chairman Peter Barge said it is a multi-million kina investment that will make PNG standout in the Pacific Region and promote tourism.
He remarked that the project will be situated in a best spot that is secured for residential, commercial and hospitality.
“Despite the issues in the country including the black Wednesday, there are investors who are still interested in PNG and want to expand the branch of network.
“We have a shopping mall that will receive 25 thousand visitor's each day, we also anticipate that over 3,000 people will be residing in Paga Hill and in terms of jobs, this project alone will create 7,000 fixed jobs,’ Mr. Barge said.
Barge added that 40 percent of the Paga Hill SEZ will be given back to local companies to invest.
Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru thanked Hoswell and the development partner for the confidence they have in PNG and urged them to liase with the Super Funds and Landowner Companies to work together.
He said the government is also looking into this project and will continue to give its100% support.
“We are excited that you will now become a partner and developer for our most ambitious hotel…this will be an ambitious investment that will set Port Moresby apart as the city in the region and globally before 50th Anniversary,” Maru said.
Minister Maru added that the government is keen on spearheading this SEZ program and Paga Hill is one of two SEZs they issued a license to, to get it off the ground.
“We are really excited, and I want to assure our investors that you have been given SEZ license and once you have the joint venture license, you will get locators license to be benefited from the fiscal package for all the investors in Paga Hill,” Maru added.
The government and the investors are looking forward to delivering the project before the Country’s 50’s Golden Jubilee.