The applications for the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2016 are nearing deadline, officially closing this Friday.

The application window was launched on August 1, and will close this week before Judging and Short Listings commence on October 18.

These awards celebrate the distinct contribution of outstanding players and properties in local tourism, the country’s largest industry, employer and foreign exchange earner.

FETA Trustee & Organising Committee Chair, Olivia Mavoa, said: “We are encouraged by the many interests received from the industry to participate in the Awards.

“So we are looking forward to a bigger and exciting 2016 Awards season.”

There are 13 categories to apply towards, giving tourism operators of all size and location the opportunity to lift their profile, boost staff morale and be recognized as innovators of this important industry.

Award finalists will enjoy invaluable publicity, post-award PR exposure and award-winning badges of excellence to use across company marketing materials.

These benefits have been attested by the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, winners of the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2015 Tourism Leader and Accommodation Deluxe awards.

“Winning an ANZ Tourism Award provides wonderful marketing opportunities for the resort,” noted resort GM and tourism leader award recipient, Peter Hopgood.

“To be recognised as the best of the best and then being able to go out to your industry partners with this acknowledgment is a very powerful message.

“I believe it is really important that properties and individuals should enter the ANZ FETA.

“Every person working in hospitality should be doing their utmost to provide outstanding holiday experiences and if you do it consistently well you should be acknowledged.”

Winners of the 2016 season will be announced at Fiji tourism’s biggest night, the ANZ FETA Gala Dinner on February 17 next year.