Nanuku Island Resort has received prominent recognition for its outstanding contributions to the community at the 2025 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards, held on February 28. Situated in Pacific Harbour, the resort clinched both the 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award and the Food Tourism Award, culminating a nearly five-year journey towards excellence in Fiji’s tourism sector.
Charlotte Steele, the manager of Nanuku Island Resort, expressed her deep appreciation for the awards, noting that their achievement was a result of years of dedication and perseverance. “For the past four years, we have been either second or third, and this year, to finally win gold in these categories is incredibly exciting. We want to dedicate this success to our team back home in Pacific Harbour because without them, we wouldn’t have achieved this award,” Steele stated.
Steele reflected on the hard work involved, mentioning the long hours and emotional investments that went into the resort’s efforts. She highlighted the significant impact their community initiatives have on local residents, emphasizing a health program that provides essential medical screenings across six communities twice a year. This initiative has reportedly helped numerous individuals improve their health by monitoring lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.
The resort’s commitment to local schools is equally commendable. Nanuku Island Resort collaborates with a nearby vocational school, offering attachment opportunities for students and retaining some as part of their staff. Steele expressed her pride in seeing these efforts culminate in awards, assuring that they will continue to foster these crucial community programs.
The Food Tourism Award was also a group achievement, with Executive Chef Mohammed Shamim Ali highlighting the team’s dedication to delivering authentic Fijian cuisine centered around local ingredients. “This award reflects our commitment to innovation and maintaining world-class standards, and without our team’s commitment, we wouldn’t have achieved this,” Ali noted.
The awards ceremony took place at the picturesque Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, recognizing the hard work and dedication of various players within the tourism industry. Among the other winners, Terra Merita Pte Limited received the 2025 Tourism Industry Support Award.
Nanuku Island Resort’s accolades serve as a testament to the positive role that tourism and hospitality can play in uplifting communities, showcasing the potential of responsible and community-focused tourism in fostering long-term benefits for both businesses and local populations.
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