The 2007 Fiji Tourism Awards ceremony was held on Friday 8th February 2008 and South Sea Cruises featured strongly. The Fiji Tourism Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have out-performed in the development of national tourism and in doing so provided inspiration to others to share their vision in promoting tourism in Fiji.

Ross Gallagher, Sales Manager for South Sea Cruises and Awesome Adventures Fiji was pleased to announce that the judges awarded South Sea Cruises with Fiji's top tourism award "Best Transport Operator" for their Resort Connections service to the Fiji Islands. This is the fourth consecutive year that the company has won a major tourism award. The Judges recognised the feedback received from South Sea Cruises guests highlighting their experiences, outstanding guest service and the well presented vessels. The innovative 'Captains Lounges' introduced on the Resort Connections vessels was also highlighted as a popular addition for guests travelling to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island resorts. The company's 'friendly' and 'helpful' staff were cited as another constant feature of the experience on board South Sea Cruises.

In addition, South Sea Cruises sister company Awesome Adventures Fiji, was runner up in three categories - "Best Budget Accommodation" for South Sea Island, "Best Tour Operator" and "Best Day or Overnight Cruise".

Judges noted the expansion of the company and the efforts to promote Fiji and the tourism industry through international marketing efforts. South Sea Cruises has a strong commitment to both customers and the Fiji tourism industry alike.

Visit www.fiji-cruises.com for information about cruising in Fiji. View more about the Mamanuca islands.

Conde Nast Johansens has nominated Qamea Resort & Spa in Fiji as "The Most Excellent Resort 2008". This is Conde Nast's highest award, and Qamea is the only resort in Fiji or the South Pacific to be nominated. The other five nominated resorts are all located in the Carribean. The final selection will be made in late January.

Conde Nast Johansens is a comprehensive guide to luxury tourism properties in UK, Europe, North America and South America. Properties awarded the Conde Nast seal of approval are based on recommendations on unique style, cuisine, location and character.

Find out more about Qamea Beach Resort and Spa. Qamea is an island just off the coast of Taveuni - Fiji's third largest island.

The following were winners at the AON Fiji Tourism Excellence Award Night:

1. Adventure Tourism - Rivers Fiji 2. Shopping Experience - Pure Fiji 3. General Tourism Services - Fiji National Culinary Team 4. Accommodation: Unique - Royal Davui 5. Cruises - Overnight & Day - Blue Lagoon Cruises 6. Transportation - Awesome Adventures Fiji 7. Budget Accommodation: Mainland Viti Levu - Nomads Skylodge 8. Accommodation: Deluxe - Sonaisali Island Resort 9. Diving - Beqa Adventure Divers 10. Heritage, Arts and Culture - Arts Village 11. Accommodation: Quality - The Naviti Resort 12. Budget Accommodation: Other Islands including Vanua Levu - Oarsman's Bay Lodge 13. Tourist Attraction - Kula Eco Park 14. Tours, Transport & C&I Operators - Rosie Holidays 15. Restaurants - The Ivi Restaurant (Outrigger on the Lagoon) & Saffron Tandoori Restaurant, Nadi 16. Environmental Tourism - Rivers Fiji 17. Young Achiever - Cecilia Frost 18. Front Liner Awards - Jone Tavaga 19. Viti Award - Josefa Tuamoto 20. Lifetimer Achiever Award - David Wilson 21. Visionary Award - Ratu Epeli Bogileka & Andrew Fairley

This award caps many others the romantic hideaway has won since inception. Vatulele was named Small Luxury Hotels, 'Hotel of the Year' in 2000. It was named Fiji's top resort in the 2005 AAA Tourism Awards, following its local industry award the year earlier as the Best Boutique Resort in Fiji. Fortune magazine named The Point #2 in the Top Ten Barefoot Resorts in the World in 2002.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements to be found in all sectors of the global travel industry.

In the years since, new technology has ensured that travel has maintained its position as one of the fastest-growing industries on Earth. Also during that time, dedicated travel professionals and their clients have come to regard the World Travel Awards as the best endorsement that any travel product could receive. They are often referred to as the 'Academy Awards' of Tourism.

It is the world's most comprehensive travel awards ceremony, with trophies awarded in all areas of the industry. 167,000 travel agents voted this year in over 200 countries around the world.

Conde Nast has rated the Tui Tai as one of the eight sexiest cruise ships in the world. The citation for the award, titled the Quest for Adventure, reads "You're suspended 80 feet underwater in a panorama of crystalline blue, clownfish and barracuda bumping gently against your fins. (Or was that the hammerhead shark you spied earlier?) You kick upward toward the sunlight, welcomed by the vibrant orange sails of your boat, Tui Tai." The ship, a 140-foot sailing schooner, is operated by Tui Tai Adventure Cruises.

Tui Tai Adventure Cruises was named one of the '100 Greatest Adventures on the Planet,' in the May issue of Men's Journal Magazine. The magazine has a circulation of 3 million in the United States.