The IHG Fiji Hotels portfolio, owned by the FNPF, celebrated significant achievements at the 2025 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA), which took place on February 28, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa. The portfolio garnered three prestigious Gold awards, recognizing its excellence in training and development, as well as outstanding performance as the Conference and Incentive (C&I) Operator of the Year.
The award-winning properties include the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel Suva, and Holiday Inn Suva. Notably, Akshay Chand, the Portfolio Director of Information Technology, was honored with the Rising Star award, highlighting the commitment to fostering emerging leadership within the organization.
This year’s awards saw a remarkable level of industry engagement, boasting 249 registrations and 65 finalists, which speaks volumes about the competitive nature of the tourism sector in Fiji. In addition to the Gold achievements, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa also earned a Silver award for its Community CSR initiatives and a Bronze award for Spa InterContinental as Spa Operator of the Year, underlining the portfolio’s commitment to community engagement and enhancing guest experiences.
Lachlan Walker, Regional General Manager for Fiji and the Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, praised the dedication of the teams, stating that the awards reflect their daily commitment to developing talent, creating exceptional group experiences, and supporting local communities. He expressed gratitude towards the Fiji National Provident Fund for their partnership and support, emphasizing the privilege of representing Fiji through a professional and warm hospitality experience.
The achievements reinforce IHG’s ongoing commitment to advancing local capabilities and contributing positively to Fiji’s tourism landscape. The portfolio plans to build on its training programs and service culture in 2026, focusing on career development, consistency in guest experiences, and collaboration with industry partners. Akshay Chand spoke on the pride he feels being part of a team that prioritizes its people, stating that the award is not only a personal recognition but also reflects the collective effort of his colleagues.
This recognition of excellence in the hospitality sector offers hope for the future of tourism in Fiji, as more initiatives for training, development, and community support are set to be launched, further enhancing the experiences offered to both guests and team members alike.
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