Multi Property Vice President Pacific Islands Marriott International, Mr. Neeraj Chadha;
Members of the Sheraton Fiji Executive Committee;
Invited Guests;
Associates and Graduands of the Fiji Marriott Training Academy;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Cola Vina everyone, and a very good afternoon!
It is my pleasure to be present here today at the Launch of the Fiji Marriott Training Academy.
In the four months that I have been in Government, the first thing I say when asked about what our priorities for tourism are is “upskilling and training”.
I have been where most of you are here today. And I have seen how the industry has evolved over the past years to what it is today.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
People are at the heart of tourism. You can have the same beaches here as you do in any other country.
You can have the same or even better food almost anywhere. You can also stay in the same hotel brands on the other side of the world.
But what makes tourism – especially Fijian tourism – unique is our people and our warm hospitality. And that is a fact. Our people are our greatest asset and even in the age of technology, they will remain so.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Globally, tourism is expected to grow even as we recover. Now, this presents both opportunities and challenges. The opportunity is to invest in people, their capabilities and creating quality jobs in the tourism sector.
The challenge is that, to support the growth and to achieve tourism sector competitiveness and sustainability, we need the right human capital base that meets current and future market demands and, ultimately, enhances competitiveness.
We know that shortage of skills is currently a huge challenge. You see it in the local and international news almost every day. We can make our best endeavour to invest in education so that we have a pipeline of graduates, but there are immediate gaps especially in the Food and Beverage sector.
So, what we can continue to do is provide opportunities that encourage personal and professional growth and development so that you not only have a job but also a long-term career.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am told that the Fiji Marriott Training Academy pilot programme was initiated in December 2022 with forty-eight (48) Land Owning Unit community members. And that a soft launch was done in January 2023 and completed in February 2023.
I want to take this opportunity to commend Mr Chadha and the Marriott Group for being the enabler and the provider. Initiatives such as this Academy programme ensures that we continue to build and invest in our people, whilst maintaining a steady flow of workforce needed by the tourism industry.
It is a testament to investing in local talent, training and equipping people with skills and knowledge, which would see them kickstart a highly respected and sought after career, earn for their families, support their communities, and contribute to the nation’s workforce.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I also understand that the Academy is not only focusing on nurturing young talent, but is also designed and equipped to upskill and train the Resort’s current and long-serving Associates through Rotational Training. I was also pleased to hear that it serves as a platform for empowering our women and girls into the Tourism workforce.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What is even more promising is that on the 7 week programme, all 42 trainees of you were offered Employment contracts from Commi III Chefs to F&B Attendants. And 14 of you are working in the Culinary Department, traditionally dominated by men. So congratulations to you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With these few words, I wish to congratulate the entire team behind the success of Fiji Marriott Training Academy. You are leading by example, and staying true to your values and it is my hope that the Academy continues to grow over the years to come.
I would also like to convey my best wishes once again to those of you graduating today as the first cohort of 2023 from the Academy. I worked in the industry, and I know some of the challenges. But I also know how rewarding it can be.
Vinaka vakalevu.