The three hotels owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) have made a significant announcement by publicly supporting sexual diversity and inclusion in the workplace, positioning themselves as the first hotel group in Fiji to take this stance. The hotels involved are InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in Denarau, Grand Pacific Hotel Suva, and Holiday Inn Suva.
In celebration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) during Pride Month in June, these hotels emphasized the significance of fostering an inclusive workplace. They also established a Memorandum of Understanding with the Trans Affirmative Action Guild (TAAG) to enhance understanding among employees regarding gender diversity. This initiative is aimed at establishing IHG as a pioneering hospitality brand in Fiji committed to inclusivity and positioning itself as an employer of choice in the region.
Lachlan Walker, the Portfolio General Manager for IHG Hotels & Resorts, FNPF Owned Hotels, stated, “At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we believe in the spirit of True Hospitality for Good.” He emphasized that inclusion involves creating a workplace that values diverse backgrounds and ensures a supportive environment for all employees to thrive.
The DE&I committee, comprising a diverse group of staff from various levels, is driving the inclusion agenda across the hotel group. The events during June were primarily focused on raising awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community in the workplace and promoting a culture of inclusivity.
Ratu Eroni Ledua Dina, co-founder and Executive Director of TAAG, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, mentioning that the partnership would enhance advocacy and training efforts in Fiji’s hospitality sector and help pave the way towards greater inclusivity and equality.
To commemorate Pride Month, the DE&I Committee organized discussions around the significance of Pride, which included prominently displaying the “Pride Flag” at all three hotels. Globally recognized every June, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month commemorates the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, serving as a time to honor and support the LGBTQIA+ community.