Marriott International Hotels & Resorts in Fiji build talent through Marriott International Fiji Training Academy

Nadi 15 November 2021 – Marriott International Hotels & Resorts in Fiji today officially launched the Marriott International Fiji Training Academy at the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa. The world’s leading hospitality brand has embarked on an exciting journey through a partnership between Marriott International Fiji Training Academy and Land-Owning Unit (LOU) with the successful admission of 40 candidates.

“We are thrilled to be the first in Fiji’s tourism & hospitality industry to launch such a unique training program in partnership with our key industry and hotel stakeholders, including the hotel owners and the land-owning unit of Denarau hotels,” commented Neeraj Chadha, Multi-Property Vice President Fiji & Samoa, Marriott International, General Manager Westin and Sheraton Resorts, Fiji Complex. “We have successfully completed the first screenings and aptitude test for all interested candidates after which they will take charge of the development journey through a structured training and development process. Upon completion, participants will gain certificates based on a credit system and have a stronger edge to be part of the industry. These certificates are not limited to employment within our hotels, but extends to any role in the industry as the certification of the program holds enormous value.”

Through this partnership, the skilled and experienced team of trainers from the Sheraton & Westin complex on Denarau will train selected participants in four key disciplines: Front Office Operations, Housekeeping Operations, Food & Beverage Service Operations and Kitchen operations.

The six-week intensive training will lead participants through comprehensive Marriott International brand service culture modules incorporating COVID-safe operations as mandated by Clean Matters and Marriott Commitment to Clean to ensure safe hotel operations.

“We are extremely grateful for the Denarau Land-Owning Unit representatives who assisted us in identifying and endorsing candidates and arranged for an aptitude test,” commented Farrah Shazleen, Cluster Director Human Resources – Fiji, Marriott International. “At Marriott International, we strive to open doors to opportunity and cultivate an environment that champions personal and professional development. We put people first, whether it’s our associates, our guests, our hotel owners, our shareholders, or the people who live in the communities in which we operate. Our commitment to this principle helped us deliver what is arguably the best year in Marriott’s more than 90-year history.”
Marriott International Fiji Training Academy was first launched in 2019, putting people first as the founding philosophy which has made Marriott International a great place to work and nurture talent. Learning and Development have been a core focus in the Marriott career journey and is all about giving associates opportunities to thrive and succeed with a people-first culture, creative, departmental, and operational development to grow the capabilities of our talent.

Mr Joel Abraham, CEO of the Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission who also attended the launch said he was pleased to see the commitment from Marriott International in the establishment of a training academy as it is an integral part of any business and will help foster a culture of excellence in the hospitality industry post-Covid-19.