Venue: Novotel Hotel, Nadi
Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards Board of Trustees;
ANZ Fiji Head of Commercial;
Executive Director Tappoos Limited;
Executive Chairman Airports Fiji Limited;
Managing Director Rosie Holidays & Ahura Resorts;
Invited Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula vinaka and a very good afternoon to all of you.
It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here today to the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA) 2017 Entry Period Launch.
Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards is the flagship event, which gives recognition to the industry players for their contribution to excellence in the Fijian tourism industry. Today is an extra special day, as we mark 21 years of the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The tourism industry’s contribution to the Fijian economy is been increasing over the years and according to the Reserve Bank of Fiji 2016 has recorded a contribution of 40 per cent of the GDP – this is unprecedented.
In addition, the industry has been performing exceptionally well in terms of visitor numbers, with each year reaching record number. 2016 was consider a bumper year, however, we are poised for an even bigger 2017. The January to July visitor arrival statistics have shown a healthy increase of 5.1% compared to the same period last year.
When talking about records, in July we have reached the highest number of visitor arrivals ever recorded for a month – 90,108, this is unprecedented and a strong indication of what the rest of the year will bring.
However, we should not rest on our laurels. The same momentum should be maintained and I am confident the industry will continue to excel not only as Fiji’s best industry but also as the trendsetter for the region. As we look to the future, we want to keep this industry thriving by developing new and innovative niche markets in Fiji, such as sports tourism.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji has created a strong position for itself in a highly competitive global tourism market. This has been possible through the collective efforts of the industry. The efforts need to be acknowledged and FETA is the most appropriate platform.
Hence, as the applications for the 2017 FETA is being launched, this is an opportunity to give recognition to the businesses and their staff for the exceptional work undertaken that has made the industry what it is today.
Through these awards we honor the individuals and companies who diligently work to provide our visitors an enjoyable and memorable experience. These contributions not only benefit their host communities but support the livelihoods of our local people, protect our environment, culture and future of our generations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been said on numerous occasions that the private sector is the vehicle of growth and the Fijian Government will ensure that we continue to provide you an enabling environment for advancement. Therefore, we are committed to providing the tourism industry the relevant support.
For the 2017-2018 financial year the Fijian Government has increased the total budget of Tourism Fiji by 19.2%. Inter alia, will be utilized to refresh and reinvigorate our happiness brand. This increase will also enable Tourism Fiji to capitalize on the increased connectivity that Fiji Airways has provided for the traditional and new markets.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year’s Awards will be one with a difference, as you will have, for the first time, the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, improvements have been made, to better attract all tourism operators and businesses, whether small or large. Other changes includes, renaming categories to expand the scope to tourism and related services, such as wedding, tourism event planner, supplier that is not able to meet the criteria of other categories and whose product(s) and service(s) integrate with other tourism products to enhance visitor experience.
We acknowledge all the changes that have been made to make the Awards more inclusive, however, a key programme of the Fijian Government, which is supported by Hon. Prime Minister and myself, is regrettably has not been part of the Awards since last year.
we keenly look forward to the inclusion of the Fijian Host programme in the Awards as it is targeted to give recognition to the service provided by the frontline staff of our airport. It is the first impression and the Bula spirit of our people that provides the industry the niche and the value proposition over our competitors and is the key reason why visitors keep returning to Fiji.
The success of the industry is based on the partnership between the industry players and the Fijian Government.
Having said that, I urge all stakeholders within the tourism industry to enter your businesses in the available categories and at the same time, nominate your hard working staff for the individual categories.
Ladies and Gentlemen
With those words ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to officially launch the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA) 2017, entry period.
Vinanka Vakalevu. Thank You.