Tammie Tam has vowed to continue to serve the hospitality and tourism industry to the best of her ability. Ms Tam was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 23rd Annual ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (ANZ FETA).

The 2019 Awards Presentation was held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa Denarau, Nadi past Friday.

Ms Tam is the Senior Vice President Warwick Hotels and Resorts International and Executive Director – Pacific.

Warwick Hotels and Resort own Tokatoka Resort, Tambua Sands Beach Resort, the Naviti and the Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa.
– She is a member of the Tourism Fiji Executive board.
– She has been a board member of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association for about 25 years, and elected as vice president in 2020.

Appreciation
With over decades of experience in the tourism industry, she says: “I am so deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award.

“Thank you to the FETA trustees and all my friends and colleagues in the hotel and tourism industries for supporting me.

“Special thanks to Jenny and Dixon Seeto who have been my mentors and good friends since I arrived in Fiji.” She also thanked the Warwick Group for the opportunity to work for them.

“I would like to thank God for placing me in this beautiful island of Fiji and giving me the wisdom, the strength, the perseverance in serving this wonderful but challenging industry.

“I will serve the industry to the best of my ability. Vinaka vakalevu.”

Ms Tam also highlighted that she was blessed to be living in a COVID-contained country.

During the awards, FETA Trustee Olivia Mavoa highlighted Ms Tam’s professional and personal contribution to assist the community.

Professional Capacity
Professionally on behalf of the hotel group she assisted with:
– Scholarships for students in the landowning villages,
– provision of financial assistance in construction of community halls, homes and kindergartens,
– upgrade and provision of medical equipment to the Korolevu Medical Centre,
– upgrade of school buildings, doctor and nurse’s accommodation and Police Post in Korolevu and
– contribution to the building project and medical supplies to the Sigatoka Hospital.

Personal Capacity:
In her personal capacity:
– She has provided financial assistance and support to the community and the church in terms of higher education.
– Recipients of this financial assistance are now successful in their career in various professional fields. Some are now working as lawyers, doctors and pilots.
– She’s also provided financial assistance for families in the community so that they can build their own homes;
– provide land and construction materials for a church in Pacific Harbour.
– She has an open door policy for those needing assistance
– and mentor in the values of hardwork and commitment.

Ms Mavoa said: “Personally, I have the utmost respect for this lady.

“I know that she’s a very private person, very humble and does not seek publicity in her areas of work, both professionally and at a community level.”

Comments from the Warwick Fiji team: “She’s a strong woman with God fearing traits and acts a mother to all of us here in the group. She keeps us in line when we need it and always guides us with her wisdom.”

AWARD WINNERS:
– FIJI PRIDE CHAMPION –  Kinijoji Sarai – Outrigger Fiji Resort
– EMERGING TOURISM LEADER – Navneet Reddy – Outrigger Fiji
– TOURISM LEADER – Mereoni Gusuivalu – Sofitel Fiji
– ACCOMMODATION BUDGET –  Boathouse Nanuya
– ACCOMMODATION QUALITY – Tropica Island Resort
– ACCOMMODATION DELUXE – Castaway Island Fiji
– ACCOMMODATION LUXURY – Vatuvara Private Islands
– DESTINATION MARKETING – Pacific Bedbank
– CULINARY SERVICES – Vatuvara Private Islands
– SPECIALISED TOURISM SERVICES & SUPPORT TO THE INDUSTRY – Rosie Events and Hot Glass Fiji
– TOUR & TRANSPORT OPERATORS  – Pacific Destinations
– VISITOR ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITY – Malamala Beach Club
– TOURISM SUSTAINABILITY – Treasure Island Resort
– LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Tammie Tam
– VISIONARY AWARD – James Sowane & Lala Sowane

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj