Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Travel staff with last year’s chief guest, Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Viliame Gavoka (centre)

Hospitality is no longer confined to hotels and resorts; it is at the heart of every organisation that serves people. This is the inspiration behind the Fiji National University’s (FNU) 2026 National Hospitality Conference, which will bring together industry leaders, professionals and decision-makers under the theme, “Service Without Barriers: Empowering Diversity in Business and Service Excellence” next week.

Participants at the 2025 National Hospitality Conference enjoying an engaging session

Hosted by FNU’s National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), the conference, which was first held in 2024, will provide delegates with practical insights into accessible tourism, sustainable business practices, leadership, workforce development and customer service excellence through an impressive line-up of local and international experts.

Head of Training for Tourism, Hospitality and Travel, Sheileshni Nair, said this year’s conference had been intentionally designed to challenge conventional thinking about hospitality.

Head of Training for Tourism, Hospitality and Travel, Sheileshni Nair

“Hospitality is not limited to the tourism industry. Every organisation that interacts with customers, whether in banking, healthcare, retail, government or tourism, can create meaningful service experiences. This conference is about equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills and mindset to deliver service excellence without barriers while embracing diversity and inclusion,” said Ms Nair.

She added that exceptional service is everyone’s responsibility and that the conference will challenge participants to think differently about customer experience, leadership and inclusion while equipping them with practical strategies that can be implemented effectively in their workplaces.

Delegates will hear from an impressive line-up of international and local experts, including Neha Arora, Founder and Director of Planet Abled and Dr Paresh Pant, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Fiji.

“The programme will also feature an exclusive panel discussion with Fantasha Lockington, Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, Vanessa Kilner, Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, and Christopher Cocker, Chief Executive Officer of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.”

“This is more than a conference. It is an investment in your professional growth and your organisation’s future. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we are creating a platform for meaningful collaboration that will strengthen service excellence across Fiji,” revealed Ms Nair.

The 2026 National Hospitality Conference will be held on 17 July at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi. More details about the conference can be found on the Fiji National University social media platforms.