By JYOTI PRATIBHA
The finalists for 2013 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards have been announced.
A record number of businesses sent in their applications for the prestigious awards.
Ten companies have made the final lists for the first time.
And, competition to reach the finalist list has been so fierce that in many categories, judges had to shortlist four or five companies instead of the standard three.
The trustees and organising committee revealed the finalists in eleven categories.
Nominations for the ‘Back of the House’ category are still open till December 24.
Board trustee, Gerald Barrack, said the 2013 awards season again received a record number of impressive applications.
“Whilst traditionally there are usually three finalists per category, in 2013 the initial points scoring by the judges was extremely close in many categories,” he said.
“In the interest of being as inclusive as possible, the finalist list has therefore been expanded to include four or five finalists where appropriate.”
The awards will be held on Friday February 21 at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi.
Also presented on the night will be Fijian Host of the Year award.
New category of awards
With the large volume of entrants into the ever-popular “Frontliner” individual category, a new “Back-of-House” category has been included for those that provide excellent personal service but not necessarily in a traditional “meet and greet” role.
The past requirement for a Frontliner nominee was to be a person in non-management position.
This was aimed at encouraging the nomination of local staff in direct service positions.
“However, with many direct service positions now allocated titles such as reception manager, wedding executive and the like, a number of deserving potential nominees were restricted from entry,” Mr Barrack said.
“As such, the trustees have decided to re-open these categories for nomination.
“In the interest of timing, for the 2013 awards in these categories, organisations will now be able to nominate their own employees.”
The Lifetime Service to the Industry and Visionary of the Year award which are selected by the trustees will be announced on the night of the awards.
The finalists of the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2013
Transport Facilitators
r Ocean Charters Fiji
r Pacific Destinationz Fiji
r Rosie Holidays
Spa & Wellness
r InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa – Wai
r Pure Fiji Spa
r Sofitel Fiji Resort – Mandara Spa
r Spa Denarau
Services & Support to Industry
r Bakels (Fiji) Limited
r Chef Lance Seeto
r Port Denarau Marina
Fiji Experience
r Captain Cook Cruises – Heritage Cruise
r Feejee Experience
r Nai’a Cruises
r Sky Dive Fiji
r Bebe Spa
Tourism Sustainability
r Intercontinental Resort & Spa
r Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort- Marine Education Centre
r Kula Eco Park
r Leleuvia Island Resort
Restaurants
r Castaway Island Resort- 1808
r InterContinental Fiji Resort – Navo
r Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji – Ivi
r Sofitel Fiji Resort – V
Accommodation Budget
r Mantaray Island Resort
r Nadi Bay Hotel
r Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel
r Uprising Resort
Accommodation Quality
r Tanoa International Hotel
r Tanoa Waterfront Hotel
r Uprising Resort
r Tanoa Plaza Hotel
Accommodation Deluxe
r Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji
r Radisson Fiji Resort
r Koro Sun Resort
r Castaway Island Resort
Accommodation Luxury
r InterContinental Resort & Spa
r Likuliku Lagoon Resort
r Namale Fiji Resort and Spa
r Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji
r Royal Davui
Accommodation Unique
r Nai’a Cruises
r Namale Fiji Resort and Spa
r Namotu Island Resort
r Unique Charters