Participants at the third National Hospitality Conference
Fiji’s hospitality industry must continue to evolve by embracing inclusion, innovation and sustainability while remaining true to the warmth and genuine care that define the nation’s world-renowned Bula Spirit.
This was the key message delivered by the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Ms Salaseini Daunabuna, as she officially opened the 2026 National Hospitality Conference, hosted by the Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) at the Tanoa International Hotel today.
Held under the theme “Service Without Barriers: Empowering Diversity in Business and Service Excellence,” the one-day conference brought together tourism professionals, business leaders, educators, and government representatives to explore how collaboration and continuous learning can strengthen Fiji’s service industries.
Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Ms Salaseini Daunabuna
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Ms Daunabuna said Fiji’s hospitality industry is built on warmth, generosity, and genuine care, but maintaining this reputation requires organisations to continually remove barriers to inclusion and accessibility.
“Our challenge is to reflect these values consistently across every workplace and every visitor experience. That means removing physical, social and communication barriers, creating fair employment pathways and ensuring services are accessible to people of different ages, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds,” said Ms Daunabuna.
She emphasised that while technology is reshaping the tourism landscape through digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and personalised guest services, it should strengthen human connection rather than replace the human connection that makes Fiji unique.
Ms Daunabuna also highlighted the importance of sustainable business practices, noting that responsible environmental management, renewable energy, resilient supply chains, and climate-conscious operations are now essential for the industry’s long-term success.
In addressing the need for an enabling environment policy, she outlined several Government initiatives supporting tourism and aviation, including the Tourism Act 2026, the Civil Aviation Master Plan 2026–2031, the progressing Civil Aviation Bill, and the Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprise Fund, all of which are aimed at strengthening service standards, investment, connectivity and opportunities for Fijian entrepreneurs.
She further added that the future of Fiji’s tourism industry, depends on a shared commitment between Government, industry, educational institutions, and communities.
“Policy alone will not deliver transformation. Progress depends on how Government, industry, educators, and communities work together. Every organisation can take practical steps to remove barriers, improve inclusion and invest in its people because meaningful progress begins with practical action,” the Permanent Secretary stated.
Earlier, FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba welcomed delegates, describing hospitality as one of Fiji’s greatest strengths, as
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba at the conference earlier today
it is built on its people and the nation’s world-renowned Bula Spirit.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that tourism remained a powerful driver of economic and social development, creating opportunities for families, strengthening communities, and supporting businesses across the country.
“For many Fijian families, tourism is far more than an industry. It is a source of livelihood. It puts food on the table, supports education and development, strengthens small businesses, and creates opportunities for our young people. When tourism succeeds, families succeed. When families succeed, communities become stronger. And when communities become stronger, Fiji prospers,” she said.
Professor Nabobo-Baba reaffirmed FNU’s commitment to producing graduates who are ready to meet industry demands through quality education.
“Our responsibility goes beyond providing qualifications. It is about creating opportunities, developing talent and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to their families, their communities, and the future of Fiji,” Professor Nabobo-Baba stated.
The conference featured an impressive line-up of international and local experts, including Ms Neha Arora, Founder and Director of Planet Abled; Mr Maivon Wahid, Global HR Business Partner at the University of Oxford; Mr Mesake Nawari, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airports; and Dr Paresh Pant, the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Fiji.
The distinguished speakers shared their respective perspectives on strengthening tourism, business and national branding.
(L-R) NTPC Head of Training Dept of Tourism Hospitality and Travel, Sheileshni Nair, PS for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Salaseini Daunabuna, Professor Unaisi Nabobo Baba, PVC TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata