The winner of the new Emerging Tourism Leader category at this year’s Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards will receive an overseas sponsored scholarship.

FETA trustee, Craig Powell said the evolution of the Awards had given rise to the Award Category of Emerging Tourism Leader.

Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards trustee Craig Powell.

He said this was to encourage and motivate local talent to aspire for greater goals in their careers, so they could go on to secure senior management positions in any hotel, resort or hospitality organisations in Fiji.

“Past and current Trustees of the Board have always recognised the importance to nurture and develop our local talent to meet the demands of a growing tourism industry in Fiji,” Mr Powell said.

“Our people play a key role in providing Fijian hospitality and it is critical that we continue to cultivate local talent to ensure visitors from abroad can enjoy authentic Fijian experiences wherever possible.

“In further support of this, the Board of Trustees for the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards has seen it fit to introduce an overseas sponsored scholarship that will be given to the awardee.

“We hope the educational experience the person gains abroad will contribute towards their personal development and help the individual achieve their career aspirations.

“The Fiji Excellence in ourism Awards is not just another annual event but rather an occasion for all involved in tourism to come together and celebrate their hard work, dedication and commitment towards the growth of the industry in our beloved country Fiji.

“We hope the awards will continue to grow in stature and with the ongoing sponsorship by ANZ Fiji into the year 2020, the Trustees believe the future is bright, inspiring all involved in tourism to make Fiji a more competitive and attractive destination.”

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