The talents of staff from the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel, and Holiday Inn Suva were celebrated at the 2024 HOTEC event, organized by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association. This annual gathering took place at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, showcasing the achievements, innovations, and future prospects of Fiji’s hospitality sector.
Several staff members excelled in their respective categories this year. Hansini Gounder from InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa triumphed in the Barista Competition, marking her third consecutive victory, having previously won in 2017 and 2018. Her consistent success highlights her exceptional coffee-making skills and commitment to her craft.
Theodore Reyes, also from the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, took home the top prize in the Bartender Competition, impressing the judges with his creative use of local ingredients in his cocktails. Additionally, Anesh Anushal Goundar earned a Runner-Up position in the Chef Competition, showcasing his culinary talents through dishes inspired by Fijian cuisine.
Brandon Solvalu from Grand Pacific Hotel and Mereoni Ligadua and Malakai Kauyaca from Holiday Inn Suva also participated, representing FNPF Owned IHG Hotels & Resorts with professionalism and enthusiasm, highlighting the culinary strengths within Fiji’s hospitality sector.
Lachlan Walker, the general manager for IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio, emphasized that these remarkable achievements at HOTEC 2024 underline IHG’s dedication to fostering talent and supporting the growth of the local hospitality industry.
The HOTEC event, with support from partners such as APTC, South Pacific Coffee Company, Punjas Fiji, and Fiji Gas, offered a valuable platform for hospitality professionals to showcase their skills and share ideas centered on quality, sustainability, and innovation.
This recognition of local talent not only boosts the individual careers of staff members but also enriches the overall hospitality landscape in Fiji, revealing a promising future for tourism and hospitality development in the region.
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