Outrigger on the Lagoon.Fiji has been named as the winner of the ‘Outrigger Enterprises Group’s Achievement Award’ at the annual Po’okela Awards ceremony held in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Achievement Award acknowledges excellence in promoting the Outrigger way.
Receiving the award, Outrigger on the Lagoon.Fiji’s general manager Peter Hopgood said that the spirit of community and involvement at the resort ensured that everyone was an Outrigger Way leader.
“Nearly everything we do has a community perspective and involves the staff, be it the employee Zumba classes, health checks which include an eye clinic or employee swimming classes conducted by a former Olympic gold medal winner.
“We have a monthly Vuvale Get Together which recognizes our star performers and an annual Staff Carnival which helps build a strong social community for employees,” he said.
Mr Hopgood said this resulted in employees taking a high degree of pride in their work.
Employees also undertook initiatives to support the community, an example of this being the sponsorship by the resort’s culinary team of an annual Junior School Chef’s Challenge, he said.
“This is designed to guide and coach secondary school level students in practical culinary skills and to encourage young aspiring chefs to take up the culinary arts.
“This employee pride in turn is carried through to the guest experience. In 2013 the resort surpassed its financial and guest satisfaction goals and continues to enjoy industry and community accolades,’’ he said.
Hard work and commitment also saw Jack Johnson, manager of the resort’s Vahavu adults-only pool bar and bistro, honoured at the Po’okela Awards.
Jack received an award for ‘Exceptional Achievement by an Individual’, a recognition that his accomplishments had far exceeded the goals he had been set.
He began his Outrigger career as banquets manager at Outrigger on the Lagoon.Fiji where he oversaw a boost in wedding earnings.
He organised 265 weddings with his team, ensuring colour schemes, decorations and set-ups were co-ordinated and delivering top level service that translated into exceptional wedding reviews, future bookings and return guests.
Due to his outgoing, energetic and confident nature Jack, nicknamed ‘Jack of all Trades’, was then placed in charge of Vahavu, the resort’s adults-only pool and bistro, as outlet manager.
Under Jack’s management, Vahavu has seen an average spend of $126.46 per person. Opened in June 2013, the facility had achieved net revenue of $537,000 by year’s end.
This incremental growth and additional revenue was due to Jack’s commitment and hard work in ensuring that Vahavu guests enjoyed excellent service.
OUTRIGGER ON THE LAGOON. FIJI