Tourism industry icon, Errol Fifer, who will return to Australia by month end, was bid farewell by many industry leaders at a function in Nadi.

Also present was the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Siddiq Koya.

Mr Fifer came to Fiji in 1970 and during the years he has spent here, he noted many people have come along and become part of his life.

He initially got into the garment industry but realised that it was not his cup of tea so he turned to the hotel industry.

Mr Fifer helped to establish Mana Island Resort before continuing with other projects.

His tourism career saw him become one of the founders of the Fiji Backpackers Association, and the owner of Nadi Bay Resort Hotel.

Mr Fifer told those at the farewell organised by the tourism industry professional body SKAL International Fiji:

“I am so pleased to see you all and I am thankful to all your good wishes as I’ll be fairly old shortly.”

Mr Fifer, apart from thanking the people who have contributed in his life, did not miss out his wife Anntoinette.

“To my dear wife, she has made my life in Fiji as a basis for doing the things we have done and she has worked harder than I have,” he acknowledged.

Mr Fifer was farewelled at the newly-opened Nama Rooftop Bar, located at the recently opened Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre on the Nadi Back Road.

Mr Fifer was a former treasurer for the SKAL International Fiji and was applauded for his good work.

He assured those present at the occasion that he shall be back to Fiji again.

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