Winners of the 2012 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
By JYOTI PRATIBHA
The 17th AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards has been launched.
The chairman of the organising committee, Matthew Gillespie, said given the success of past years, they were confident of another successful event this year.
AON Risk is again on board as the Platinum Sponsor, and Fiji Airways has been joined by ANZ (previously Silver) as Gold Sponsors.
“Our Silver Sponsor Airports Fiji Limited continues to be long term supporter of the awards, as does Bronze Sponsor Crest Chicken,” Mr Gillespie said.
“We again welcome our awards night Event Sponsors; premier Event Sponsor Tappoos who will be expanding their sponsored selection of premium international beverages, Fiji Water, Pure Fiji, Five Star Foods and our Media Partner, the Fiji Sun,” Mr Gillespie said.
New in 2013 is the partnering of the Awards with popular FBC programme “Jukeworld”.
Jukeworld will be hosted from previous years’ winners location for the next few months to bring the best of Fiji’s wonderful tourism products into the lives of those Fijians outside of the industry, who may not get a chance to personally experience these special experiences.
Nominations
With the opening of the 2013 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards to the public nominations for the first time, 2012 saw a record number of applications and many first-time entrants.
All entrants will be judged on their performance in their own particular niche market, recognising product types may vary within a particular category.
Destinational marketing has been increasingly included into standard core marketing activities of many operators and as such, this category is not being continued in 2013.
However a new category “Services and Support to Industry” is being introduced for those operators who don’t necessarily fall into the traditional sectors of tourism.
Nominations close on Friday September 6, at which time application forms will be issued to nominees. Submission of applications closes on Friday October 25.
For those interested
For those wishing to participate in the awards for the first time in 2013, the Trustees and Organising Committee recommend they take guidance from previous winners and review these individuals and products, and the superior standards of service they offer.
Mr Gillespie said: “All 2012 winners demonstrated excellent business and environmental sustainability initiatives, and a strong use of local products and services.
“Participating in the awards process not only gives an applicant media exposure and industry recognition, but many new applicants have found that in addressing the stringent criteria in the application form.
“This process has led to a better appreciation of their own business practices, identification of new areas of opportunity and untapped potential areas for growth.”
Judging will again be done by an independent panel of judges, all of whom will have a tourism background and who are experts in the various criteria of the application forms.
Judges are unable to have a personal vested interest in any of the applicants, are not remunerated and are appointed by the Private Trustees of the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (also a non-remunerated position).
Nomination categories for awards
1. Frontliner of the Year
2. Back of House – Individual
3. Transport Facilitators
4. Spa & Wellness
5. Services & Support to Industry
6. Fiji Experience
7. Tourism Sustainability
8. Restaurants
9. Accommodation Budget
10. Accommodation Quality
11. Accommodation Deluxe
12. Accommodation Luxury
13. Accommodation Unique