Tourism Fiji Industry Update

We are fast approaching the end of 2020, and what a crazy year it has been. Back in March it became clear that we weren’t able to host our international buyers at our signature event, the Fijian Tourism Expo this year. So, it was fantastic that on Wednesday we were instead able to deliver our inaugural Virtual Fijian Tourism Expo for our Australian and Kiwi markets. More than 80 suppliers were able to attend the virtual event where they met with more than 40 buyers from across these two core markets.   

The virtual expo was an opportunity to not only keep our trade partners connected with our industry, but also provided a platform to showcase the planning and programs Fiji has in place to welcome our international visitors back to Fiji when borders reopen.  

At the Expo the delegates heard from the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Hon. Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, as well as Andre Viljoen, our Chairman, who provided an overview of how the destination was getting ready to welcome back its international visitors.  

This was backed up by a few presentations from Tourism Fiji that covered the steps that have been undertaken to implement the Care Fiji Commitment. In addition, we also shared our re-entry campaign for the Australian and New Zealand markets which is the next step in our Four Stage Re-entry Plan.  

We will be assessing the feedback from the Expo in detail to determine whether a similar event will also be facilitated for our other source markets as well. So, stay tuned.  

Lastly, as you might have read this week, Tourism Fiji’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Robert Thompson (currently Regional Manager, Australia) as Tourism Fiji’s Acting CEO from 22 December 2020 for the interim while a permanent CEO is appointed for the organization.  

Robert has already relocated to our head office in Nadi and I am working with him on a transition to ensure a seamless continuation of the organization’s activities on my departure at the end of the year.  

I’m sure you will all give him the same incredible support you extended towards me and know he will do a fantastic job in leading the organization until a permanent CEO is appointed.  

Applications for the role of Tourism Fiji CEO close today, and for more information on the role click here.   Until next month, stay safe and take care. 

(Sourcr, Toursm Fiji update 27 November 2020)