Hilton Fiji Properties Learning to Sign

Launched in partnership with the Fiji Association of the Deaf, the program began four weeks ago and will run every Thursday for three months. A total of 18 team members from across departments—including four representatives from DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji—are actively participating.

“At Hilton, our people are at the heart of everything we do,” said Ana Nasilasila, Cluster Director of Human Resources Fiji. “Introducing sign language training ensures that every team member is empowered to connect more meaningfully with our guests and team members. This initiative not only builds skills but also fosters a workplace where inclusion and respect are part of our everyday culture.”

Through this training, Hilton Fiji properties aim to improve communication and engagement with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, enhance guest experiences through more inclusive service, strengthen teamwork and empathy across departments, and foster a workplace culture built on accessibility, respect, and belonging. The Hilton Fiji properties are proud to currently employ three differently abled team members — Senivalati, Zacchius, and Paula — who each contribute in meaningful ways: one in the landscape department, beautifying the resort’s gardens and grounds; one in Food & Beverage service, delivering warm and attentive hospitality with a smile; and one in the security team, helping ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members. The resorts are also in the process of hiring two more Different Abled individuals to further strengthen this commitment to inclusion.

“Hospitality is about more than service—it’s about understanding,” adds Carey Osborne, Cluster General Manager, Fiji Islands. “By learning sign language, our team is taking meaningful steps toward breaking down communication barriers and ensuring every guest and team member feels seen, heard, and valued. It is finally nice and heartwarming to be able to communicate in sign with Senivalati rather than just wave hello.”

This initiative coincides with International Day of Sign Languages (September 23) and highlights Hilton Fiji’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for all guests and team members, including those from the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Hilton Fiji also marked International Sign Language Day with a video showcasing the team’s dedication to learning and celebrating the power of inclusive hospitality.

This milestone reflects Hilton’s global vision of “hospitality with heart” and reinforces its Travel with Purpose commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion across its hotels worldwide. Travel with Purpose is the Hilton properties corporate social responsibility commitment program focused on redefining and advance sustainable travel and tourism globally by working toward driving positive social and environmental change across all Hilton Property operations, supply chain and communities. At Hilton, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where diverse abilities are seen as strengths, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.