Winners of the 2025 Hospitality Art Fair
The 2025 Hospitality Art Fair (HAF), held at Fiji National University’s (FNU) Namaka Campus, ended on a high note with a vibrant Awards Night that not only celebrated technical excellence but also affirmed the transformative power of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in shaping Fiji’s hospitality future.
Themed “Interactive Fair of Enchanting Skills and Exquisite Flavours,” the event brought together students, industry leaders, educators, and local entrepreneurs for a week of immersive, hands-on competitions that tested talent, creativity, and professionalism across multiple categories.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, in his opening address, spoke passionately about the growth of the Hospitality Art Fair
PVC TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata
and its significance in FNU’s TVET mission.
“What began as a modest event rooted in national food and tourism festivals has evolved into a dynamic, immersive learning platform,” he said.
“These experiences foster not only technical competency but also soft skills, confidence, and a sense of professionalism which are all core components of high-quality TVET education.”
He noted that this year’s event was more than a celebration of achievement, it was a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when education, industry, and community come together.
“Every student that participated in the weeklong competition is a dreamer, and this week we helped them move a step closer to achieving that dream.”
Mr Mercel Petzold
Mr Marcel Petzold, Cluster Director of Human Resources at Sheraton Marriott Bonvoy, delivered the keynote address. He commended the boldness and passion of the competitors.
“Events like this Art Fair are more than just competitions; they are platforms of discovery,” he said. “They ignite passion and build the kind of confidence that will carry students into their professional journeys.”
Reflecting on the importance of TVET in hospitality, Mr Petzold praised FNU for producing graduates with not only technical skills but also the right attitude and love for the craft.
“At Sheraton Marriott Bonvoy, we’ve seen this firsthand. Some of our most promising young recruits have come directly from FNU and from this very Art Fair.”
He urged participants to continue honing their skills, pursue further studies, and never stop believing in their potential.
“This industry needs you, your energy, your ideas, and your commitment.”
Throughout the week, students competed in high-stakes challenges including cocktail mixing, baking and patisserie, floral arrangements, culinary skills, and front desk service. These competitions provided real-world training environments guided by industry professionals, with many acting as judges and mentors.
Looking to the future, Dr Tagicakiverata expressed FNU’s ambition to grow the Hospitality Art Fair into a national festival involving vocational schools from rural and maritime zones and promoting inclusive access to skills training and career pathways with discussions already underway to involve the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Pacific TAFE in next year’s competition.
“We must continue to support our students, nurture their aspirations, and invest in the future of a sustainable, world-class hospitality sector because at FNU we believe in crafting futures together.”
Winners and Runners-Up – Hospitality Art Fair 2025
Hair and Beauty Competition
Winner: Shirani Achal Kumar
1st Runner-up: Aashna Ashika Naicker
2nd Runner-up: Muni Ravina Devi Achari
Floral Competition
Winner: Veniana Liku
Runner-up: Alisi Tinai
Cocktail Mixing Competition
Winner: Leba Gade Salailagi
Runner-up: Adi Irinieta Laduvunirewa
Telephone (Front Desk) Competition
Winner: Emosi Boladua Tuisinu
Runner-up: Ifa Ryland Bogidrau
Baking and Patisserie Competition
Winner: Radinikaba Kayaga Salu
Runners-up: Akanshal Ayaan Kumar & Sanaa Sabeehah Nisha
Culinary Skills Competition
Winner: Salacieli Waqa Naqura Waikarawa
1st Runner-up: Josefa George Musuki Cama
2nd Runner-up: Sanaa Sabeehah Nisha