For many years, many key tourism stakeholders have worked hard to ensure the safety of thousands of visitors that grace our shores annually.
Every operator and employee play a crucial role in working hand in hand to give tourists the best holiday experience they deserve.
Apart from the major tourism operators and pioneers, small and medium tourism operators also form part of those hard working individuals who give tourists that unique and exclusive Fijian holiday experience.
As the industry looks forward to celebrating its success after a major bounce back from the wrath of COVID, the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards board has decided to award these operators too accordingly.
This newspaper asked the government’s tourism marketing arm, Tourism Fiji on its thoughts on the much-anticipated ANZ FETA awards Gala Dinner at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on February 25.
Below is a snippet of the interview with Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill.
Do you believe that it is about time these minor tourism operators and individuals are finally recognised for their hard work?
We agree 100 per cent. We are excited through our involvement with the FETA team in recognising a lot more individuals and organisations this year who have gone the extra mile to show the true, authentic tourism that Fiji has to offer.
Of course, the tourism industry is wide and diverse – both big and small, and we celebrate with all of our industry who have really worked hard in 2022, and reaped the rewards.
With an inclusive approach, introducing more categories and awards, the FETA team are so pleased to have such great finalists, those that have inspired ideas as well as others to share Fiji’s hospitality culture.
In Fiji, it is not about the size of your business but how original the service is, and such simplicity comes from our locals.
These tourism operators play a key role in the overall tourism experience in Fiji and this year’s FETA awards is a grand celebration and appreciation for them.
What has the response been like from these operators in this post COVID era and how are their businesses doing so far?
As the industry has been doing amazing since reopening, and the resilience, innovation and adaptiveness of these operators is what has kept them going.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji’s January Economic Review highlighted how Fiji’s economic recovery continues on the back of a strengthening tourism industry.
The small and medium tourism operators and our locals are feeling the filtering effects of this. It’s great to witness 636,312 visitors to our shores in 2022, everyone is seeing happier days, including our local operators and individuals (domestic consumer spend has gone up).
In terms of marketing, what can be done to improve trade for small tourism operators in Fiji?
Tourism Fiji as Fiji’s marketing arm feels an obligation towards all our operators, especially the ones which require support in terms of establishing a digital and social media presence.
Tourism Fiji has approximately 450 tourism operators listed on our website, and we encourage all our restaurants, tour operators as well as village-based service providers to reach out to us and get listed – website@tourismfiji. com.fj.
At Tourism Fiji we want as many businesses and islands and locations across Fiji to benefit from the strong tourism numbers.
Fiji has a lot to offer, and we are here to show to the world all that and more.
Should you require assistance or guidance in terms of marketing, reach out to our friendly marketing team – we’re here to help all, from the big right through to the new businesses, entrepreneurs and ‘mum and dad’ businesses.
Do you believe that they are doing well so far?
They are putting in great efforts and it is reflected in the love received from visitors. These operators are the heart and soul of the community – so sincere and genuine. At Tourism Fiji, we believe in shining a light on every operator – big or small. And we ensure that their presence is seen through our social media platforms (now we are on TikTok as well), weekly eDMs, and regional media. Tourism Fiji has also taken this further towards destination development with our new brand and seeking ways to promote our sustainable operators, those closely linked to the cultural roots and offering authentic Fijian experiences.
What’s the excitement like at TF in the lead to the FETA awards night?
We are super excited for this year’s FETA and to be part of it.
Our congratulations to the Chair, Secretariat, and the entire team at FETA – it is going to be a wonderful night of celebration for work well done.
2022 has been a great year for the industry and it is time to celebrate and reward the efforts with our collective tourism vuvale.
FETA is overwhelmed with the caliber of our industry. Hence, more categories, more awards, more recognition.
It is going to be a night when all the tourism industry gets together and celebrates 2022 and it is going to be big! A great opportunity, so better be an early bird and grab your tickets.
