AS a banquet attendant, Atunaisa Kaluteba makes sure the conference room at Warwick Fiji Resort in Sigatoka is decorated ahead of major functions.
He helps to facilitate a smooth and efficient service during events by making sure the guests are accommodated for as well as looking after the replenishment of the buffet food, refilling the beverages and assist in additional tasks.
Apart from the busy schedule, he also ensures guests are given an exceptional experience by his service and attendance to the banquet area.
“Every day is a different day, and we are always tasked with various things. But the best part is meeting different people from around the world and even around the country,” he said with a smile.
Atunaisa struck me as a quiet person. It took a few bits of probing questions to draw him out of his introverted shell and pretty soon the 49-year-old was smiling as he talked about his work.
“I’ve been involved in decorating the conference room for big functions and meetings at the resort since 2008. I started working here in 2000, then resigned in 2006, but returned in 2008,” he smiled.
The Biausevu villager, from Nadroga said he enjoyed the work and has never looked back since.
“Before joining the hotel industry I was with the Ministry of Forestry, where I looked after Hardwood species and so on but I love working in tourism. It’s something different, from what I’m used to, and it was totally out of my comfort zone, but I managed to overcome it.
“We were taught with all the basic services from a gentleman from Rewa who was our supervisor.
“From the set up to the service. We managed to learn as much as we could.”
Warwick Fiji is set on Fiji’s gorgeous Coral Coast, about 90 minutes from Nadi’s International Airport and two hours drive from Suva.
It sits on 28 acres of tropical gardens and enjoys panoramic views over the soft sand beaches and waters of Korolevu Bay and surrounding islands.
According to Atunaisa, it’s one of the great perks of working at the resort – having to see the natural beauty of Fiji.
“Many visitors from around the world pay a lot of money to see our country and we have ensured they get the best experience as much as possible,” he smiled.
