THE FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels portfolio has taken out three Gold awards at the 2025 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA), held on Saturday February 28, 2026 at Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, recognising outstanding performance in training, events, and emerging leadership.
The portfolio, which includes InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel Suva, and Holiday Inn Suva, won the award for Training and Development, while InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa was awarded winner for Conference and Incentive (C&I) Operator of the Year. Akshay Chand, the Portfolio Director of Information Technology, was named the Rising Star award winner.
This year’s awards drew strong industry participation, with local reporting noting 249 registrations and 65 finalists shortlisted, highlighting the competitiveness of the programme.
In addition to the three wins, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa also recorded a Silver award in the Community CSR category and a Bronze award for Spa InterContinental as Spa Operator of the Year, reflecting continued focus on community contribution and guest experience.
“These awards recognise the consistency and care our teams bring to their work every day, whether that is developing our people, delivering complex group experiences, or supporting our communities,” commented Lachlan Walker, Regional General Manager, Fiji and Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“They are also a strong endorsement of the standards, governance, and long-term investment behind our operations in Fiji. On behalf of IHG, I want to thank our owners, the Fiji National Provident Fund, for their continued partnership and confidence in our teams. It is a privilege to represent Fiji through hospitality that is professional, warm, and genuinely local.”
The recognition also reinforces the portfolio’s focus on developing local capability, strengthening Fiji’s tourism offering, and supporting communities through meaningful initiatives. The group will continue building on its training programmes and service culture in 2026, with an emphasis on career pathways, consistency in guest experience, and continued collaboration with industry partners.
“I am grateful for the recognition and proud to be part of a portfolio that backs its people. The award reflects the support I have received from my colleagues and leaders, and it motivates me to keep raising the bar for how we use technology to improve guest and team experiences.” commented Akshay Chand, Rising Star winner, Portfolio Director of Information Technology, FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels.
Selected leaders from the FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels portfolio at the 2025 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards last Saturday at Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, celebrating a proud night of recognition for our teams across Fiji. Picture: SUPPLIED
IHG Hotels and Resorts staff Akshay Avin Chand (left) won the 2025 Rising Star Award during the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2025 held at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa in Wailoaloa Nadi. Picture: REINAL CHAND
