Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort scooped three awards during Saturday’s 2016 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards at the Sheraton Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi.

Former Fiji Chef Association President and Executive Chef Shailesh Naidu took out the Tourism leader award.

The Resort also won the Accommodation Deluxe award and The Ivi restaurant won the Visitor Dining Experience.

General Manager Peter Hopgood dedicated their success to the local staff for being in the forefront.

“We dedicate this wins to all our staff at the resort. It is one thing we do at Outrigger is the engaging of the staff with the guests is added to the service we provide at the resort,” he said.

“It is a good feeling when you are recognised in this way.”

The resort has about 600 local staff with only three expats.

“We work hard to develop Fiji based local staff,” Mr Hopgood added.

National Master Chef Challenge

Mr Hopgood added Mr Naidu’s recognition came at the right time for the effort exerted through his commitments in the Master Chef Challenge.

“This is surely well deserved for Shailesh Naidu. This is a good accolade for the work he has done. He is the mentor and like godfather of chefs in all Fiji,” he added.

“I am really thankful for him for developing the young kids in the industry.”

Mr Hopgood added 90 percent of chefs’ who worked in his kitchen came through this programme.

“He is mentoring his young chefs and giving opportunities in the hospitality industry.

“He asked all the resorts in Fiji especially to their executive chefs to do similar projects to cater for the students coming out of the schools and universities.”

EDITED BY: IVAMERE NATARO