The Trustees and Organizing Committee of the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards are pleased to today announce the short list of finalists for the 18th AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards Season.
The 2014 Awards season has again received a record number of impressive applications, and following on from the 2013 precedent, where initial scoring has been very close, there have been more than the traditional three applicants short-listed for site visits. The continuation of this approach again ensures the Awards assessments are as thorough, fair and transparent as logistically possible.
The Trustees are pleased to welcome some first-time AON Awards’ entrants to the shortlist, as well as previous years’ winners and entrants, and confirm the following applicants will now receive site visits by the judges:
FETA 2014 Finalist Shortlist
Category 1. Frontliner
Kini Saukuru – Musket Cove
Eunice Molia – South Sea Cruises
Lingo Reece – Castaway Island Resort
Eddie Tuicumu – South Sea Cruises
Category 2. Back of House
Lance Seeto – Castaway
Maria Penjueli – South Sea Cruises
Mohammed Shahmeem – Rasison Blu
Mere Watisoni Navavulevu – Manta Ray
Category 3. Transport
Pacific Destinationz
Rosie Tours
Heli Tours Fiji
Pacific Island Air
Tourist Transport Fiji
Category 4. Spa & Wellnes
Bebe Spa – Outrigger on the Lagoon
Heavenly Spa – Westin Resort & Spa
Pure Fiji
Rainforest Spa – Koro Sun Resort
Category 5. Service and support
Explore Fiji Magazine
Pure Fiji
Vuda Marina
Category 6. Fiji Experience
Captain Cook Cruises – Reef Endeavour
South Seas Cruises – Seaspray
Whitetip Marine Adventures
Category 7. Sustainability
Matava – Fiji Untouched
J Hunter Pearls
Shangri La’s Fijian Resort
Category 8. Restaurants:
Fine Dining
V – Sofitel
IVI – Outrigger
Flying Fish – Sheraton
Category 8. Restaurants: Quality & Affordability
Lali Sand Bar and Grill – Castaway
Boatshed – Vuda Marina
Governors
Taste Fiji
Mai Kana – First Landing
Category 9. Accom. Budget
Tanoa Rakiraki
Tanoa Skylodge
Manta Ray
Category 10. Accom. Quality
Tanoa Plaza
Volivoli
Hidaway
Blue Lagoon Beach
Malolo
Category 11 Accom. Deluxe
Castaway
Radisson Blu
Sheraton Villas
Category 12. Accom. Luxury
Royal Davui
Likuliku
Westin
Paradise Cove
The Awards has always aspired to be as relevant to the industry as possible, and on receipt of the applications in 2014, it was found that entrants to the “Accommodation Unique” category needed to be provided with more information to fulfil the criteria. Finalists for this category will be announced at a later date.
Per 2012, there were a substantial number of entrants to the “Restaurants” category of a very high standard. As such, the Trustees have decided to spilt this category into two to provide opportunity to a greater range of service providers.
The Trustees are pleased to confirm the Awards ceremony will be held on the evening of Friday 20th of February 2014, and the event will be held at the Sheraton Fiji on Denarau Island in Nadi. The ceremony will also include the trophy presentation to Government’s Fijian Host of the year for 2014. Tickets will be available early in the New Year.
The Awards could not happen without the support of our generous sponsors, Particularly AON Risk, our Platinum sponsor. Our sincere thanks to our Gold Sponsor, ANZ for their ongoing support. Our Silver Sponsors Fiji Airways and AFL continue to be long-term supporters of the Awards, as does Bronze Sponsor Crest Chicken.
We again welcome our Awards night Event Sponsors; premier Event Sponsor Tappoo who will this year be providing all beverages for the event including hosting a premium cocktail bar, Fiji Water, Pure Fiji, Five Star Foods and our Media Partner, the Fiji Sun.
The AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards Trustees wish the shortlisted finalists every success and look forward to welcoming guests to the Gala presentation dinner on the 20th of February 2014.
For more information please contact:Amanda Sofield on 9929957 or tandem@connect.com.fj
MEDIA RELEASE