A gathering of hoteliers from around the country met yesterday to thrash out industry concerns in an event that ended on a high note in Nadi.

The Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association’s (FHTA) 57th annual general meeting, held at Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa, recapped the past 12 months of lobbying and activities.

Six new board members were voted in, including Brian Kirsch of Likuri Island Resort who continues in his third consecutive year as president.

He will be assisted by vice presidents, Tammie Tam of Warwick Hotels and Resorts, and Narend Kumar of Tanoa Hotel Group.

“The tourism industry has been growing steadily since the December 1 reopening and we are determined as ever to come out on the other side,” Mr Kirsch said.

The association’s collective focus remained firmly on sustainability and leaving a smaller footprint on the environment, he said.

Six new board members were appointed, namely:

• Neeraj Chadha of Marriott International Inc,
• Vincent Macquet of Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa,
• Azam Khan of Hexagon Group of Hotels,
• James McCann of Yasawa Island Resort and Spa,
• Kaydee George of Wyndham Resort Denarau Island, and
• Simon Doughty of Volivoli Beach Resort.

The full 16-member board will take the helm as the tourism industry heads into a period of recovery, following the most difficult period that the industry has ever faced, said association Chief Executive, Fantasha Lockington.

She said the association was confident of the unique opportunities to invigorate the economy by introducing policies that provided stimulus and accelerate growth.

Mrs Lockington said such opportunities included:

• incentivising job retention,
• sustaining tourism small and medium entrepreneurs,
• protecting vulnerable groups, and
• promoting more investment in the industry.

She said the association would continue to lobby to get the backing it needed to rejuvenate the industry, and grow the economy.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj