Employees from IHG hotels and resorts, owned by FNPF, achieved remarkable success in the recent HOTEC 2024 competitions held in Nadi, excelling in various categories including barista, bartender, and chef contests.
Hansini Gounder from the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa took home the top prize in the barista competition, showcasing her mastery in coffee making—a title she also won in both 2017 and 2018. Theodore Reyes, also from InterContinental, impressed judges with his creative use of local ingredients in cocktails, earning him the first place in the bartender category. Additionally, Anesh Anushal Goundar, another InterContinental representative, secured the runner-up position in the chef competition with dishes that celebrated Fijian flavors. They were supported by colleagues Brandon Solvalu from GPH and Mereoni Ligadua and Malakai Kauyaca from the Holiday Inn.
Lachlan Walker, the Portfolio General Manager of IHG Hotels & Resorts for FNPF-owned hotels, praised the team’s outstanding achievements, emphasizing the company’s dedication to nurturing local talent and advancing the hospitality industry in Fiji. He expressed pride in their accomplishments, which not only reflect IHG’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences but also underline the organization’s ongoing support for sustainable practices and local businesses.
The HOTEC event served as a vital platform for hospitality professionals to showcase their skills, fostering discussions on quality, sustainability, and innovation in the industry.
This success story highlights the promising future of Fijian talent in the hospitality sector, reinforcing the role of local initiatives in elevating the culinary arts and service standards in the region.
Leave a comment