ANZ FIJI EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM AWARDS
WINNERS LIST, REPORTS AND PHOTOS
The ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA) has given the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award to two individuals – Michael Dennis and Bill Whiting – while the late Patrick ‘Paddy’ Doyle was named to the Visionary Award. FETA Trustee Dixon Seeto said Mr Dennis and Mr Whiting had contributed immensely towards the growth of our tourism industry. He said the board of trustees also wanted to remember the late Paddy Doyle as a pioneer of Fiji’s tourism industry.
Mr Seeto said: “Tonight we are giving the highest FETA accolade, the Lifetime Achievement award to two individuals who deserve to be recognised for their gigantic contribution towards tourism. “Both Dennis and Whiting are mentors for our tourism leaders for the work they have done and for the work that they continue to do. “The Visionary Award is deservingly given to the late Patrick ‘Paddy’ Doyle who was the first General Manager of the Fijian Resort. “This award is given in his memory for his trail blazing work in tourism starting from the 1960s.” Other individual awards were presented to Britney Turaganikeli, who was recognised as the Fiji Pride Champion; Akuila Batiweti is the Emerging Tourism Leader while Eroni Puamau of Rosie Holidays received the Tourism Leader Award. Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Rosie Holidays scooped the Hall of Fame awards. There were two winners in the Culinary Services and Destination Marketing categories. The Culinary Services award was presented to Castaway Island Fiji and Maqai Eco Surf Resort; Malamala Beach Club took the Destination Marketing award. Another big winner last night at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi, was Vatuvara Private Islands scooping the Accommodation Luxury and Tourism Sustainability Awards. Aquarius on the Beach received the Accommodation Budget award; Accommodation Quality award went to Malolo Island Resort while the Accommodation Deluxe award went to Wyndham Denarau Island. Specialised Tourism Services and Support to the Industry went to Port Denarau Marina, South Sea Cruises won the Transport and Tour Operators award and Ecotrax won the Visitor Attractions and Activity award.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama last night issued a stern warning to prospective developers that any breach of environmental protections would be met with the full force of the law. Mr Bainimarama sent the message out during the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Gala Awards Dinner at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi.
“I have been alarmed by recent cases of apparent breaches of environmental protections here in Fiji, and I want to repeat that such breaches should be met with the full force of the law. No exceptions,” the PM said.
“If you break our laws, you will be punished.”
He then announced that Government would roll out an environmental hotline soon – a hotline where Fijians could report abuses of the environment, wherever they saw it happening.
“So, to any developer, from anywhere in the world, let me say this. If you intend to destroy or forever degrade our environment, you are not welcome in Fiji,” the PM said.
“I assure you our hospitality has hard and fast limits and we don’t take kindly to anyone who violates our laws. No matter the size of your development, no matter how grand the promises you carry with you may be. “Last year, I spoke about how the number of tourists nearly matched the number of people living in Fiji –– and this year, we came even closer to passing that threshold. “But as our resorts continue to develop, as we attract more visitors, and a higher paying selection of travellers, and as this industry continues to grow, we need to think more seriously about how to make that growth, and this industry, more inclusive.
“I’ve had more than a few Fijians come to me personally saying that they’ve not felt welcome when going on a weekend “stay-cation”, taking a day trip, or grabbing dinner at some of our fancier resorts.
“Given that it’s Valentine’s Day weekend, I suspect we have plenty of Fijian couples looking to do exactly that this weekend. “When they do arrive at your doors, they ought to be treated exactly the same way as anyone else who you welcome on your premises. Because, as businesses in our country, you must be open to all of our people, all the time. “They deserve the same level of service, they deserve the same level of attention and they deserve to feel welcome at resorts in their own country. Full stop.
“Only by sharing this hospitality with each other and by spreading the economic impact of the sector far and wide, we will truly cultivate a tourism industry that benefits all Fijians.
“With that, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for offering me your hospitality tonight. “I extend my warm congratulations to tonight’s award winners and nominees. I thank ANZ and other sponsors for their continued commitment to this vital industry.
“Let’s celebrate our successes, and continue our remarkable progress in the year ahead.”