The continuing recognition of Likuliku Lagoon Resort for accommodation luxury, and Malolo Island Resort for accommodation quality is a testimony to the ability of 100 percent locally-owned businesses.

The managing directorc for Rosie Holidays and Ahura Resorts, Tony Whitton, said testified to the capacity for local businesses to run quite extraordinary brands that could stand on their own before the big international brands.

The Ahura resorts took the awards at the 2016 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards on Saturday evening at the Sheraton Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island.

Parent company Rosie Holidays at the same time again took the category of destination marketing.

“This is recognition of Ahura Resorts and for those two brands, Malolo Island Resort wonderful resort, families only and we have Likuliku Lagoon Resort, which is a luxury five-star which has overwater bungalows,” Mr Whitton said.

“Ahura Resorts is 100 per cent Fijian-owned, and I am really proud that we are up against some of the big brands and to be recognised from a Fijian-owned family operation.

“The heart of everything is the Fijian people.”

Both resorts’ have previously taken awards for the same and other categories as well at the Tourism Awards.

Mr Whitton said he was thankful to the resource owners who had been very cooperative.

“Our plan for the year is not to be complacent. We have to understand we live in a very competitive market and our competition at first is with the other big international markets.

“But then, we have to make sure that our food quality and our room product is of high standards.

“And this is something we need to maintain.”

edited by: ivamere nataro