Tourism Building, Says Happy Stoeckel
We have got a lot of ambitious plans that we’ll be executing this year and a lot of new products and resorts as well.
These were the comments made by the Tourism Fiji chief executive, Matthew Stoeckel at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Friday.
“It gives me goose bumps when I think of what the industry can achieve this year,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“My organisation in particular, we’ve got a lot of our ambitious plans that we’ll be executing this year and we’ve got a lot of new products coming along this year and a lot of resorts.
“So from Momi Bay, Beach Cocomo, Six Senses Fiji out in Vunabaka, the developments down in Wailoaloa, the Palms Resort Fiji and resorts up in Vuda.
“There will be a lot of new products which gives a lot of new visitor experiences, so it is something that we will look forward to promoting through marketing and promotional activities to our international markets.”
Mr Stoeckel said he was astonished at how the tourism industry responded after the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Winston.
“I was just blown away by the industry’s response in their resilience after the devastating cyclone to get back and rebuild the resorts, rebuild the products and continue with the sales and marketing activities,” he said.
“We wanted to ensure that we finish 2016 on a high note with great visitor arrival numbers.
“It shows that the resilience of the industry, of how everyone works together in that time of crisis.”
Mr Stoeckel added 2017 would be a pivotal year for the industry because the main focus would look at the good work the industry had been doing for the past years.
“I think from my organisation’s perspective this year will be a really pivotal year for us,” he added.
“We’re in a big capability building stage and we have been getting a lot of new staff and a lot of new teams have been coming on board to really modernise our work and our approach to marketing activities.
“I think it will help us redefine in strategic places in a great position for years to come as well.”
Edited by: Ivamere Nataro
Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
