The Ministry of Tourism and Fijian Hosts Council will be announcing the inaugural award for the Fijian Host for the Month tomorrow [31 October 2012, 11am] at the Airports Fiji Limited Training Room at Nadi Airport.
This award, part of the Fijian Hosts Program, recognises the significant contribution made by a first-line service provider at Nadi International Airport.
“The Fijian Hosts Program was designed not only to improve customer service by providing customer service training to airport staff; it is also an opportunity for the Ministry to express its gratitude to the hardworking team of front-liners at Nadi Airport," said the Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Elizabeth Powell.
"We are happy to be able to acknowledge all their hard work to improve the visitor experience through the Fijian Host of the Month Awards."
Each month, nominees for the Fijian Host of the Month are selected from feedback provided by comment cards filled-in by international travelers at the Nadi International Airport.
The winner is then chosen by the Fijian Hosts Council following an initial assessment by the Ministry of Tourism. The Council is chaired by Elizabeth Powell, the Permanent Secretary for Tourism, and comprises of Tony Whitton, CEO Rosies Holidays, David Pfliger, CEO Air Pacific, Tony Gollin, CEO AFL, and Shane Cunning, Managing Director Starwood Resorts Fiji.
The monthly award includes a dinner for two at the Westin Denarau Resort, a $250 shopping voucher and a Fijian Hosts of the Month certificate acknowledging their exceptional service.
One of the Hosts of the Month will be selected as the Fijian Host of the Year. This individual will be recognized at the annual AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards in February and awarded two round-trip Air Pacific tickets to Sydney and two nights accommodation at Sheraton Sydney. The runner-up will be awarded a premium domestic prize for two persons including transfers, two nights accommodation and meals at a choice of one of Fiji's key luxury resorts: either the Outrigger on the Lagoon on the Coral Coast or Jean-Micheal Cousteau Resort in Savusavu.
The Ministry, in partnership with eight airport agencies, including Airports Fiji Limited, Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority, the Department of Immigration, Air Terminal Services, Ministry of Health, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, TYCO Security, and the Border Police, aims to raise awareness of the contributions of the Nadi Airport staff as well as provide incentives for service improvements through training and recognition.
“Through the Fijian Hosts Program these staff are trained and encouraged to further improve on the Fijian hospitality that attracts tourist to our shores and welcomes our own citizens home,” said the Permanent Secretary.
Five training sessions were held in August this year for a total of 253 Nadi Airport front-liners. Refresher courses will be held later in December this year and March next year.
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