The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Board of Directors for Tourism Fiji.

Following an Expression of Interest and its subsequent selection process, seven new Board members have been appointed pursuant to the Tourism Fiji Act 2010.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, welcomed the appointment, stating the knowledge and expertise the Board brings comes at a crucial time with the recovery of the Fiji tourism industry.

“Tourism in Fiji is at a critical juncture and a new Board means new opportunities. These appointments will ensure that Tourism Fiji has the requisite industry expertise to guide them in achieving Fiji’s marketing strategies. And each of these Directors brings with them new perspectives and experiences that will build on the success of the previous members” said Gavoka.

The Tourism Fiji Board of Directors provides a cross-section of public and private sector expertise that will guide Tourism Fiji’s plans going forward.

Tourism Fiji board Chair Andre Viljoen has welcomed the new Board saying he is encouraged by the depth of knowledge and industry experience they bring.

“These are exciting times for the industry and Tourism Fiji is leading the charge in promoting Destination Fiji and maximizing returns for the benefit of all Fijians. The Board plays a crucial role in providing guidance and oversight to boost Tourism Fiji’s performance, and seeing the caliber of the new members gives me great confidence. I look forward to working with my new Board to chart the course for future growth of tourism by mapping out strategies for the medium and long term.”

“I also wish to thank my outgoing Board members for their valuable contribution, and tireless efforts towards the industry,” added Mr. Viljoen.

The newly appointed Board members are:

1. Fantasha Lockington

Fantasha Lockington is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of the South Pacific and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

2. Josaia Rayawa

Josaia Rayawa brings with him twenty-seven years’ experience in the tourism industry, having served 7 years in management roles covering all facets of hotel operations with the (then) Regent Hotel chain; fifteen years in marketing and strategic planning experience and serving as Regional Director for Fiji Visitors Bureau, (now Tourism Fiji).

3. Uraia Rasake

Uraia Rasake has over twenty-five years of Human Resources in both the public and private sectors. He is also a trainer/facilitator in Brand and Service Culture with great passion in shaping organisational culture. He has served at senior executive level with international brands, such as the then Starwood (Sheraton and Westin), Accor’s Pullman, Warwick Group of Hotels, Vatulele and with the Fiji Development Bank.

4. Ilisapeci Matatolu

Ilisapeci Matatolu recently joined the University of the South Pacific, prior to being at Tourism Fiji as a Regional Director (the Americas) from 2007 to 2013. Her marketing role in the United States included directing the implementation of Fiji’s marketing plan and developing strategic partnerships. She has a Bachelor of Tourism (Hons) from James Cook University in Australia.

5. Pavan Singh

Pavan Singh is currently the Operations Manager for the Kundan Singh Group of Companies and Founder of Corner Bakery and Pizza Lab, Suva. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Auckland University of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Commerce from the University of Auckland majoring in Commercial Law and Marketing.

6. Eroni Paumau

Eroni Paumau brings with him over nineteen years of Executive Management experience, leading transformational change in one of the pioneer tourism management brands in the Pacific, the Rosie Travel Group. He has accomplished international marketing and strategic business development experience, credited with the introduction of the highly lucrative Chinese inbound market to Fiji and the Pacific by spearheading the Rosie Travel Group as the first company to establish business from China in 2004.

7. Salaseini Daunabuna

Salaseini Daunabuna is currently the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation and has served in the Civil Service for thirteen years – including 3 years in the role of Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity andIndustrial Relations and 3 months as Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management. She holds a Master of Governance in Public Policy, a Bachelor of Laws, and is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor to the Fiji Bar. She is passionate about public service work and has her specialisation in employment law, industrial relations, legal drafting, governance, and public policy.

Gavoka emphasized that the new Board’s expertise, abilities and decades of experience will be an advantage and encouraged them to make a difference during their tenure. The Minister for Tourism also acknowledged the work of the outgoing members of the Board.

“The outgoing Board members have set the bar, no doubt. They were very instrumental especially during the pandemic, and I sincerely thank them for guiding the organisation through what was one of the most challenging times of history and putting us on the path to strong recovery,” said Honourable Gavoka.