By JYOTI PRATIBHA
Denarau resorts have emerged as big winners during the prestigious 2013 HM Awards held in Sydney, Australia past Friday.
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa have walked away with being awarded the Best Fijian Property.
In the same category, Radisson BLU Resort Fiji Denarau Island was highly commended.
In the South Pacific General Manager of the year category, Radisson BLU’s general manager, Gerard Knight, emerged as the winner.
Mr Knight was up against ten other general managers from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands and Vanuatu Resorts.
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa was awarded the Service to the Community Award.
They were awarded for the work they did with local villages in the aftermath of Cyclone Evan past December.
Other Resorts who were also nominated included Mercure Sydney, Parkroyal Parramatta, Hilton on the Park Melbourne and six other properties.
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa was the only Resort nominated from Fiji.
Proud moment for Denarau
Denarau Corporation Limited Marketing, Events and Corporate Communications executive, Losana McGowan, said this was a proud achievement for Destination Denarau as well.
“Winning against some of the biggest brand names in the industry across the Pacific region is testimony to the commitment of every staff in upholding the status of the brand of each of our hotels and Destination Denarau,” Ms McGowan said.
The award ceremony drew not just a huge crowd of almost 600 hoteliers, industry leaders and major suppliers, but also a record number of entries with 2500 received across all categories.
Gerard Knight humble
Mr Knight has been with the Radisson BLU Resort for a year now. He dedicated his award to his staff and team at the resort.
“I feel humble about this. I gather from my enquiries that this has a lot to do with how we dealt with the aftermath of the Cyclone, accommodating people and keeping them updated with information at all times,” he said.
Mr Knight was personally briefing all guests at all times and keeping them updated.
Privilege for Sofitel Fiji
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa general manager, Simon Jinks, said it was an enormous privilege for Sofitel to win the prestigious industry award in the category of Best Fijian Property.
“To earn top honours as Best Fijian Property by Hotel Management magazine’s esteemed voting panel of industry leaders, hotel experts and journalists is truly rewarding,” he said.
“It’s a true testament to the commitment of the resort’s ambassadors who surpass the expectations of our guests from around the world every day,” he said.
“With their level of service, warmth, genuine Fijian smiles and Bonjour Bula greetings extended to our guests, this recognition belongs to the team as their efforts are the reason why guests return to the resort year after year.
Owners response
Richmond Limited, owners of Sofitel Fiji Resort has Fiji Airways (38.75 per cent) and BSP. as its shareholders.
Chairman of Richmond Limited, Nalin Patel, said: “This is indeed a significant milestone for the Resort and this achievement would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of all our people.”
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa general manager, Simon Jinks, holds the certificate whereby Sofitel Fiji Resort has been named the Best Fijian Property in the 2013 Hotel Management (HM) Awards. He is accompanied by staff rejoicing the win.