THE success of a day-long carnival, held to honour the hard work of hotel staff members, was credited to two departments.
The food and beverage, and activities departments of the Outrigger On The Lagoon Fiji resort were hailed for their effort in ensuring the carnival held to celebrate their good work operated effortlessly.
Host of the resort’s family fun day, general manager Peter Hopgood said the carnival-like feat would offer bigger and better rides at next year’s event where they were intended for teenagers.
Stalls were divided into departments on an optional basis, activities manager Kinijoji Sarai said.
And even the community was offered a tent to sell food and items, proceeds of which was theirs to take home, hotel public relations manager Una Murray said.
Items were sold for no more than $5. The range of items included a selection of apples, oranges and pears at $1 for 3.
Hotel towels, curtains, pillows, wooden placemats and bedcovers to name the least, sold like hot cakes as people formed a long queue to purchase what would otherwise fetch steep prices on the market.
Titilia Buloubuli — a hotel worker — said she was surprised when she learnt she had the day off on Saturday.
“I was supposed to work today but at the last minute I was told I had the day off. This year’s event is much better than last year. Its a good outing for us workers and our families,” she said.
When the police jazz band arrived in grand style, it became obvious that organisers of the event spared no expenses in spoiling and pampering their staff.
Mr Sarai said the event was purely for the benefit of hotel staff members.
“This is for the workers and their families — a thank you on my part for all their work,” Mr Hopgood said.