Awards recognise contributions
THE immense contribution of the Outrigger properties in the Fijian tourism industry was recognised at the recent ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Premier beachfront resorts Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, Fiji have yet again stamped their marks in the annual recognition award which was postponed from last year because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Castaway Island took out the 'Deluxe Accommodation' award while two senior employees from Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort were successful finalists.
Resort activities manager Kinijioji Sarai was presented with the coveted 'Fiji Pride Champion' award and the 'Emerging Tourism Leader' award was won by sous chef Navneet Reddy, who has been in the food and beverage sector of the resort for 10 years.
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort general manager Darren Shaw said he was extremely proud of the employees who were nominated and recognised for such esteemed accolades.
“I am pleased that the successful finalists have won the recognition they deserve as their dedication and commitment to their roles,” Mr Shaw said.
“The property has greatly contributed to the outstanding reputation the resort has within the Fijian tourism industry and international partners.”
Castaway Island’s general manager Steven Andrews said although the award was for 2019, receiving it during these challenging times lifted the morale of the Castaway Island family and had encouraged the team to keep the consistency of service and care as they anticipated the reopening of international borders.
“We would like to dedicate this award to those Castaway hosts that were made redundant in 2020 due to this pandemic.
“This recognition would not have been possible without their efforts and we hope to strengthen the team again once the borders are reopened,” Mr Andrews said.
The event was recently held at the refurbished Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa ballroom with the theme “Celebrating Excellence In People and Product” and acknowledged the dedication and commitment of outstanding personnel in the tourism industry and innovative tourism products for 2019.