Fiji Sun

Why Staying Open is the Way Ahead, Says Tanoa’s Narend Kumar

- WATI TALEBULA SUVA wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj

To remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the best decisions made by the Tanoa Hotel Group owners and senior management, says area general manager Narend Kumar.

Mr Kumar said the pandemic has not only made the team stronger but has helped members identify hidden talents for some great multitaski­ng skills that would have otherwise remain unchalleng­ed.

“This not only reflects the true spirit of the Tanoa Way but a true meaning of tourism by providing a safe, secure, and more importantl­y with the new norm a clean and hygienic environmen­t to stay for those travelling,” Mr Kumar said.

“While the team had to let go staff as well in the early stages of the pandemic, Tanoa Hotel Group has been one of the few to start calling them back to assist in hotel operation as and when required based on business levels.

“We are also fortunate to be not only 100 per cent locally owned but managed as well as this provides a better understand­ing of our local market as this is going to be the market for a long time for the industry.

“Being in operation for more than 50 years and having the local market as our core business from Day 1 has helped the team cater better for the changing needs and wants of our local guests and remain open to continue to serve during these trying times be it for leisure, business or the new quarantine norm business of loved ones returning home.”

He said the decision to remain open and being of service to all had provided them the opportunit­y to work with our hygiene partners to provide a hygienical­ly clean environmen­t at Tanoa hotels to all their guests who needed to travel during the pandemic.

“The management is thankful to the team that is currently working during this period.

“They are also very appreciati­ve of the team that are currently unemployed as they do know the hard work, they all have put in to make Tanoa Hotel Group a popular choice not only for our local guests but the Pacific as a whole including our main markets of Australia and New Zealand.

“If it were not for the border closure, they would have definitely been here to celebrate the World Tourism Day with the staff, management and guests.”

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 ??  ?? Tanoa Hotel Group staff continue to service locals despite COVID-19 pandemic.
Tanoa Hotel Group staff continue to service locals despite COVID-19 pandemic.
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Tanoa Hotel Group staff.

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