Executive Summary of the Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting held at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa from 10.30am on Thursday, 20th October 2016
Download pdf here: Executive Summary of October 2016 Board Meeting Final.pdf
1. New FHTA Website
The Board has awarded the development of the new FHTA website to local supplier, Army of Flying Monkeys. The new website will be developed and rolled out in stages with the delivery of the final module by December 2016. Secretariat will advise and seek feedback from Membership as each module rolls out. The new website should assist your Secretariat to better serve Members.
2. STR
The Board noted that currently thirty five properties consistently supply data and this was valuable information for the Association for lobbying purposes. There is a misconception by smaller properties on the amount of work and data entry required. Your Board recommends that you contact our Secretariat to discuss the level of work and the benefits of submitting data.
3. FEFHA Building
The two secretariats are located within the building and members are encouraged to use the facilities for a very minor fee. We are still seeking tenants for the ground and basement floors.
4. FHTA Code of Practice for Safe Foods in the Tourism Industry
The rollout of our COP for Safe Food in Tourism has been delayed by a minor technical requirement. Training for Membership and the Food Inspectorate should commence by Q1 2017.
5. Zika Awareness Seminar
The Secretariat is organizing a Zika Awareness Seminar during HOTEC, on the morning of Friday, 11 November 2016, with the Ministry of Health and suppliers.
6. Allan Gortan of Paradise Taveuni appointed as Director
The Board appointed Mr Allan Gortan of Paradise Taveuni as the Northern Director to replace Mr. Josaia Rayawa formerly of Koro Sun Resort who had resigned earlier to take up a corporate position in Suva.
7. FHTA Board Resignation
The Board was verbally notified by the President that Mrs. Josephine Smith-Moffat has resigned from the Board due to personal reasons. The Board thanked Mrs. Smith-Moffat for her many years of service to the Association as a Director and as the Alternate Director for the late Dick Smith.
8. New FHTA Treasurer
The Board has elected Mr. Peter Gee of the Grand Pacific Hotel as Treasurer of the Association. As Treasurer, Mr Gee also serve on the Executive Committee.
9. Maritime Issues
The Board noted that the Secretariat is dealing with various Government Departments on individual Member’s issues. Members should advise Secretariat if you continue to face issues.
10. Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB)
D Seeto and B Kirsch represent FHTA on ERAB with M Wong attending as alternate and backstop. ERAB has being meeting on a monthly basis. The amendments to the ERP 2007 has not been finalized or approved by ERAB or tabled with Cabinet. The Board noted that any amendments will require updates and training to membership.
11. FRCA / FHTA Meetings
The Board noted that these meetings are continuing and that the Secretariat will send out updates as and when relevant.
12. Fiji Tourism Forum
The Forum will be convened in March 2017 and Members will be advised once details are confirmed.
13. HOTEC 2016
This will be from 9th – 11th November at the Sheraton Fiji Resort in conjunction with the Fiji Chefs Association’s Moffat Salon Culinaire, Piazza Doro Barista of the Year finals and the HOTEC 2016 Cocktail Competition sponsored by Monin and Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Ltd. The Board strongly requests the membership to support these events.
14. Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA)
The Board notes that the registration period has been extended to 7th November. Your Board recommends that members submit applications as there are rewards for this competition such as properties getting footage and recognition.
15. Nadraki Contract
The Board has approved a new contract with Nadraki for another year to provide weather and other services.
16. Anti-Fraudulent Card Workshops
The Association is working closely with the Association of Banks in Fiji to conduct workshops for members in the Suva/Pacific Harbour area, Coral Coast area, Nadi/Denarau/Mamanuca area and sessions in Savusavu and Taveuni. Secretariat will advise details on these workshops which will be subsidized by the Association.
17. Multi National Enterprises (MNE) Seminar
The Board noted that this Seminar was funded by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and has authorized the CEO to work with ILO to identify training opportunities.
18. Leadership Development Program
The Board notes that there is a Leadership Development Program conducted under the Fiji National University (FNU) that is grant claimable. This training is for Duty Managers, Supervisors and Middle Managers who may be technically proficient at their jobs but need to develop leadership skills. This Program is being conducted by Dr. Jagdish who was a former Association CEO. Members should contact Secretariat for further details.
19 Daylight Savings
The Board notes that on Sunday, 06th November, the clock will move forward by one hour from 2.00am to 3.00am for Daylight Saving.
