MULTI-MILLIONAIRE and owner of Tokoriki Island Resort Andrew Turnbull was recognised for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the tourism industry.
Mr Turnbull received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2024 held over the weekend at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.
“It was totally unexpected,” Mr Turnbull said.
“Fiji has given me more than I’ve given to Fiji.
“We have owned Tokoriki Island Resort for 30 years in September this year.
“And every $1 I’ve put into it, I’ve got a $1.50 back.
“Fiji has been an amazing country. I’m just so proud to be part of it.”
Mr Turnbull said the five- star resort was only as good as its staff.
“As I had mentioned in one of my interviews, the difference between us and other people is our staff.
“And it is only because we treat them as family.
“When I bought the island, I had only one daughter and now I have one daughter and a 150 staff, and I am the proudest man and will never sell the place because my staff need to have a good island.”
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association chief executive officer Fantasha Lockington said the recipient of the prestigious award was someone who has made a very profound and lasting impact on the industry.
“The lifetime Achievement award celebrates someone with an extra-ordinary track record of over 25 years in the industry,”Ms Lockington said.
“Their contributions go beyond their own success; they have been actively involved in shaping the future of our industry often serving on multiple boards including at executive levels and working tirelessly for the betterment of tourism for all specific sector within it.”
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated FEBRUARY 10, 2025.
