A blog by the staff and management of Matava about adventure travel in and around the Fiji Islands including trekking, kayaking, cultural experiences and birdwatching.
Feb 20, 2009
A Tribute to HG
Today was a sad day at Matava Resort. One of our longest serving staff members passed away. HG our security dog.
He saw this resort being built and has seen owners, staff and guests come and go. He protected this place with an iron bark that echoed throughout the island.
He never complained and could sit and listen so loyally. He took Pipi and Harley under his wing and taught them their roles as dogs at Matava resort.
The staff really do miss having him around, and we really miss our loyal coconut stealing friend.
Feb 10, 2009
PADI Project AWARE Award
KADAVU
, FIJI ISLANDS - 5th Februuary 2008 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it is an official 2008 recipient of The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award.
Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of global ecosystems. "The Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit o
f conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," states Richardson.
"Our awards recognise dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays! The number of outstanding environmental programs taking place is inspiring," said Joanna McNamara, Project AWARE Coordinator.
After reviewing Matava's application, Project AWARE determined that our dive operation met all requirements set forth for Project AWARE's Environmental Achievement Award and shown exemplary efforts to conserve aquatic environments through education, advocacy and action. Therefore, Project AWARE was proud to name Matava an official 2008 recipient!
Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar says "The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award gives us special environmental recognition and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business."
"After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognized by our international scuba certification agency"
Mr Akhtar went on to say that "..after our recent major resort upgrade in early 2008, and the addition of our new high-tech solar power plant solution for the Main Bure, kitchen and The Terrace restaurant area, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country."
Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment."
Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, works in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. To get involved in environmental activities and make a lasting difference visit www.projectaware.org
Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort - PADI Project AWARE Award
Matava a finalist in Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards
Matava finalist in 2 categories for AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2008
KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 10th February 2008 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort was proud to be nominated in 2 categories, and was chosen as a finalist in both categories in the AON Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Bite Me Gamefishing Charters was a finalist in the Adventure Tourism Award and Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort was a finalist in the Quality Accommodation Award.
The annual Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards night sponsored by AON was held at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island on 6th February 2009, and attended by Matava Director, Stuart Gow. Many local tourism operators and business people attended the evening presentations. This year there was over a thousand nominees in the 12 categories.
The Adventure Tourism Award was won by our friends at Adrenaline Watersportsand the Quality Accommodation Award was won by Matava's normal airport transfer hotel the ACCOR Group's Mercure Hotel in Nadi.
The Adventure Tourism Award was won by our friends at Adrenaline Watersportsand the Quality Accommodation Award was won by Matava's normal airport transfer hotel the ACCOR Group's Mercure Hotel in Nadi.
Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Congratulations to both Adrenaline Watersports and Mercure Nadi in their achievements this year. The improvements made, and standards set by Mr Rhys Martin, General Manager Mercure, converted us to start using the hotel in the past year as our Nadi transfer hotel, so we feel this is an award well deserved by Rhys and his team. Well done!"
Captain Adrian Watt of Bite Me Gamefishing Charters congratulated Mr Ben Dogget, Director of Adrenaline South Pacific and operator of the excellent gamefishing boats MV Opulence, MV Synergy and MV Katchalot for their award.
"It is fantastic to see that gamefishing is getting recognized in Fiji for the excellence it provides in service to our clients. Gamefishing in Fiji has long been overlooked internationally with countries like Tonga and Vanuatu gaining a lot more press. At last Fiji is being recognised alongside these destinations as a world class fishery for tournament species like Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Wahoo and Dogtooth Tuna"
He concluded by showing the good natured competitive spirit between the two fishing charter companies "As the only 2 IGFA Weigh Stations in the Fiji Islands Bite Me Gamefishing Charters and Adrenaline represent the premium gamefishing experiences in the country. To be a finalist in an Adventure Tourism award category alongside Adrenaline was an honour, and we look forward to competing with them to see who can break the most fishing records in the coming year. We're standing at 24 Fiji national records on Bite Me, where are you now? Kapena, let the games begin!"
Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters is our on-site IGFA game fishing specialists offering the best of superb record breaking blue water game fishing for tuna, wahoo, sailfish and marlin.
Contact:
Richard Akhtar
679 333 6222
Matava- Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort
Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort - Excellence in Tourism Awards