Nanuku Island Resort has celebrated a significant achievement at the 2025 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards, held on February 28. The resort, located in Pacific Harbour, received two prestigious awards: the 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award and the 2025 Food Tourism Trophy. This recognition marks an important milestone in their ongoing journey to excel within Fiji’s vibrant tourism sector.
Charlotte Steele, the manager of Nanuku Island Resort, expressed her excitement regarding the CSR award, stating it was the culmination of years of effort. “We have been either second or third over the past four years, and this year, finally winning gold is incredibly thrilling. We want to dedicate this to our team back home in Pacific Harbour, as we could not have achieved this without them,” Steele noted, highlighting the hard work and passion that went into their efforts.
The resort has focused on making a positive impact within local communities, engaging in initiatives such as biannual medical teams that conduct health screenings in six neighboring communities. “We have had a lot of good stories come out of this program. People have improved their lifestyles by managing health issues such as high blood pressure and high sugar levels,” Steele said. Furthermore, the resort collaborates with local schools, offering vocational training and attachment opportunities for students, many of whom are retained as staff.
Additionally, Executive Chef Mohammed Shamim Ali emphasized the teamwork behind the Food Tourism Award, noting their commitment to authenticity and local produce in creating exquisite Fijian dishes. “It comes down to our team and our dedication to producing authentic Fijian dishes focusing on our local produce,” he said. The collaboration and innovative spirit among staff played a vital role in maintaining high-quality standards that ultimately led to their recognition.
The awards ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, and also honored other industry players, including Terra Merita Pte Limited, which won the 2025 Tourism Industry Support Award. This event not only showcases the achievements of exemplary resorts like Nanuku Island but also highlights the collective efforts toward enhancing the tourism industry in Fiji.
The recognition received by Nanuku Island Resort demonstrates the power of community engagement and dedication to quality in the hospitality sector, fostering hope and inspiration for future initiatives and continued success in Fiji’s tourism landscape.