Tewaka, a quality tourism services and transport operator has been inducted into the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA) hall of fame.
The announcement was made during the 2024 ANZ FETA season launch at the Coffee Hub in Nadi on Wednesday night. The season launch kick-starts preparations for the tourism industry’s premium and highly anticipated awards.
“Thank you to the trustees, for your confidence for the last so many years with this prestigious tourism award,” said Tewaka managing director James Sowane.
The 100 per cent proudly Fijian-owned company, which is celebrating its 25th year in business, now joins the ranks of tourism icons Vatuvara Private Islands, Likuliku Island Resort, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, and Rosie Holidays with its prestigious recognition.
The FETA Hall of Fame, as described by FETA chair Debra Sadranu, was created in 2017 to honour hotels/resorts and tourism operators.
“The new season will once again provide an exciting opportunity for individuals and organisations in the tourism industry with a focus on diversity and inclusivity for all stakeholders,” Ms Sadranu said.
New sponsors on board
FETA also welcomed four new sponsors’ roll call of supporters; gold sponsors were Fiji Airports, Harry Harry Fiji, Encore ANZPAC, and the silver sponsor is Havas Host.
Ms Sadranu said Fiji Airports, Encore, Harry Harry, and Havas Host had committed to support the event for one and three years respectively, along with current sponsors ANZ, Tappoo, Fiji Gas, Vodafone, Marsh, Fiji Water, Jacks of Fiji, and Vision Investments.
“The board is thrilled to have the support of so many respected industry leaders, without whom this event would not be possible,” she said.
“This level of commitment is a testament to the vivacity of Fiji’s tourism industry and the celebration of all our stakeholders’ contribution to destination Fiji.”
The FETA action team is working towards the preparation for online registration for the 2024 season. Its team will be reaching out to tourism stakeholders through various platforms to encourage them to participate and register during this period.
ANZ Fiji head of tourism Ronald Mishra said that ANZ was committed to supporting tourism in Fiji which is why it has been supporting the FETA awards for more than a decade now.
“The economic and social contributions that tourism makes are compelling and in some ways,” Mr Mishra said.
“We’ve barely scratched the surface. That’s why it is so important that we all rally to support our tourism industry to become an even bigger and more sustainable industry.”
Last year’s awards had 20 categories presented together with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement and Visionary Award at the grand gala dinner 2023 event held in February this year.
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