The Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) in collaboration with the Division of Marketing & Communications, successfully hosted its first-ever Internship Job Fair 2025 at the FNU Namaka Campus in Nadi, connecting graduating students with leading employers in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The pilot event brought together 57 final-year students from FNU’s Bachelor of Hospitality & Hotel Management, Diploma in Hospitality & Hotel Management, Diploma in Baking & Patisserie, and Diploma in Culinary Arts programmes, along with 19 major industry partners representing more than 30 renowned resorts, hotels, and organisations.
In her keynote address, Fantasha Lockington, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA), commended FNU for taking this bold initiative to bridge academia and industry. She noted that the Fair provided a vital platform for employers to identify fresh talent and for students to build meaningful industry connections.
FNU’s industry partner, Fiji Marriott Momi Bay conducted interviews for students at the Internship Job Fair.
The day-long programme included three rounds of structured speed interviews, networking sessions, and a debrief with industry partners, before concluding with a cocktail function. Each graduate had the opportunity to present themselves to multiple employers, gaining valuable exposure and feedback.
Participating organisations included:
1.Fiji Marriott Momi Bay; 2. Crowne Plaza Fiji; 3. Fiji Airways Limited; 4. Hexagon Group of Companies Suva Moto Inn Yadua Resort GrandWest Villa Hexagon International; 5. Jacks of Fiji; 6. Hilton Fiji Beach Resort Double Tree Resort by Hilton Fiji; 7. InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa Grand pacific Hotel Holiday Inn; 8. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort Sheraton Denarau Villas; 9. Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina; 10. Naisoso Island Villas The Beach Club Wailoaloa; 11. Outrigger Fiji Resort & Spa; 12. Raffe Hotels & Resorts Plantation Island Resort Likuliku Resort; 13. Radisson Blu Fiji; 14. Six Senses Fiji; 15. Reddy Group of Companies [Tanoa] Tanoa International Tanoa Waterfront Hotel Tanoa Hotel Rakiraki Tanoa Plaza Suva Tanoa Skylodge Hotel; 16. Tropica Island Resort; 17. Tourism Fiji; 18. Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa;19. Matanivusi Resort.
Speaking at the event, FNU’s Manager Outreach, Ella Bennion, expressed her gratitude to industry partners for their support.
“Your commitment to this Internship Job Fair reflects a shared vision to prepare our students to thrive in Fiji’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. Together, we are equipping graduates with not just technical skills, but also the professional readiness needed to excel.”
“This pilot project is only the beginning. The positive response from industry and students confirms the importance of such partnerships in shaping work-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the sector from day one.”
FNU’s final year, Bachelor of Hospitality & Hotel Management students at the Internship Job Fair
The Fair also underscored FNU’s commitment to creating platforms that enhance student employability and industry relevance. Employers had the opportunity to provide feedback on the structure of the Fair and on student preparedness, ensuring continuous improvement for future editions.
Amar Narayan, Head of School of Hospitality & Tourism Studies, thanked all stakeholders, “We are deeply appreciative of the unwavering support shown by our industry partners, students, and staff. This collaboration ensures the sustainability of our internship programme and strengthens our role as Fiji’s leading provider of hospitality and tourism education.”
The Fair concluded with an invitation for industry representatives to join the School’s Programme Advisory Committee, which will guide future curriculum development and capacity building to ensure academic offerings remain aligned with industry trends.
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