Echoes of Fiji: Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 ANZ FETA

The Fiji tourism industry recently gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Wailoaloa, Nadi, for what is widely considered the Oscars of the regional sector: the 2025 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA). Under the theme Echoes of Fiji, the evening served as a high-profile platform to recognize the strategic achievements and operational excellence that defined the 2025 season.

This year’s ceremony was particularly significant, featuring a record-breaking 25 award categories – the largest set of trophies presented in the event’s history. FETA board chairperson Debra Sadranu emphasized that the night was not merely a celebration of individual success, but a recognition of the tourism industry as the primary cornerstone of Fiji’s economic development.

Visionary Leadership and Lifetime Contributions

The 2025 awards placed a strong emphasis on the individuals whose long-term strategies have shaped the current landscape of South Pacific travel.

• Visionary Award: Mark and Janice Hinton were recognized for their forward-thinking contributions to the sector.
• Lifetime Achievement: The industry honored Narend Kumar for his enduring commitment to Fijian tourism.
• Dixon Seeto Tourism Leader: Kolora Mason was named the 2025 leader, a testament to her influence in steering the industry through a period of robust growth and transition.

The Luxury and Deluxe Benchmarks

In the highly competitive accommodation categories, the results highlighted a clear trend toward specialized, high-value guest experiences.

• Luxury Excellence: Kaibu Fiji Private Island took the top honors for Luxury Hotels and Resorts, maintaining its position as a global benchmark for exclusivity.
• Deluxe Leaders: For larger properties (50 rooms and above), the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa secured the win, while Malolo Island Resort was recognized as the leader in the boutique deluxe category (under 50 rooms).
• Superior & Budget: Double Tree Resort by Hilton won the Superior Accommodation award, and Likuri Island Resort was named the winner in the Budget category, showcasing the diversity of the Fijian portfolio.

Experience, Dive, and Specialised Operations

The awards also reflected the growing importance of experiential travel, which has become a key driver for 2026 bookings.

• Experiences & Attractions: Kaiwai Watersports Fiji (Marine/River) and VOU Hub (Land/Air) were recognized for providing world-class engagement for travelers.
• Dive & Spa: Waidroka Bay Resort earned the title of Dive Operator of the Year, while Six Senses Fiji was celebrated as the premier Spa Operator.
• MICE and Weddings: The Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa was named C&I (Conferences & Incentives) Operator of the Year, and the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort took home the Wedding Operator of the Year award.

Service and Corporate Responsibility

The human element remains Fiji’s greatest competitive advantage. Sawani Hoyt of Tropica Island Resort received the award for Employee Excellence in Service, embodying the “Bula Smile” that defines the destination. Furthermore, Nanuku Resort Fiji demonstrated the industry’s commitment to the local community, winning both the Community CSR award and the Excellence in Food Tourism category.

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