Talanoa Treks, a relatively new business, is Fiji’s only dedicated hiking company.

A lot of hard work has been put in by everyone involved and particularly the communities the company has partnered with to give guests a great experience.

Therefore, its selection as a finalist in the 2015 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards comes as no surprise.

Talanoa Treks has been shortlisted in the Visitor Attraction and Activity category of the awards which will be held this Friday at the Denarau Convention Centre.

Director Matt Capper said the company works in partnership with several villages in the centre of Viti Levu.

They help guests escape the beach enjoy great walking in our forests, along our rivers, and in amongst our hills, combined with experiencing authentic Fijian culture and hospitality.

This is the first time for them to be nominated and Mr Capper said it was indeed wonderful to become a finalist.

“The awards are a great way to celebrate the achievements of the industry, and to drive us on to give visitors an ever better experience,” he said.

“For individual businesses, it’s recognition of people’s hard work, and a real boost to the winners’ profile.”