Forty handpicked associates who are part of the Fiji Marriott Training Academy were urged to be part of Team Fiji and be champions of culture of excellence.

Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) board member Joel Abraham made those remarks during the launch of the new Academy at the Westin Fiji Resort on Denarau yesterday.

Mr Abraham said that training was a very integral part of any business in the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot continue to do business the way it used to be.

“Fiji will punch above its weight and we cannot rely on the same old techniques or the appeal we had.”

“We need to up our game in the tourism sector, we need to enhance guest experience and need to bring in much needed revenue into Fiji and this is the beginning,” he said.

“It is about championing the culture of excellence. It is not about the landowning unit or the Marriott Group or FNPF but it is to be on the same team – Team Fiji.”

He said as part of the FNPF group of hotels, the Marriott flagship is quite important and it is good to see the commitment from Marriott in the set-up of a training academy.

“We have and will fully support this initiative.”

“Development of our local people is at the forefront because at the end of the day whether from the Landowning community down here in Nadi or in any of the seven hotels in the country,” Mr Abraham added.

“We only need to put our foot forward.”

“Any guest to enter the gate of the properties should feel like a world class facility and be welcomed and appreciated.”

“At the end of the day there are more returns for FNPF members and good news for Fiji.”

Multi Property
Multi Property Vice President Fiji and Samoa Marriott International and General Manager Westin and Sheraton Resorts Fiji Complex Neeraj Chadha confirmed that 300 applications were received.

“Our intention is really to develop local talents and future leaders from here. Defined career pathway in moving forward. It is an exciting time,” he said.

Mr Chadha added that 40 applicants were shortlisted and underwent a rigorous interview process, computer skills assessment program before being handpicked to be part of the academy.

Land Owning Unit (LOU) representative Sekove Tuilakeba said, “We are happy and thankful to see such a training academy launched. Congratulations to those who have chosen to be part of this destiny.”

“We have to make it a team effort and support the grand commitment undertaken by the Marriott Group and FNPF.”

“The bucks stop with us. We have to work as a team,” he said.

The six weeks course will enable the associate to come on the other side fully conversed with processes around front office, kitchen, food and beverages services and housekeeping.

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