FHTA Elects First Female President at Historic AGM

Denarau, Fiji, 19 June 2026: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association has elected Josephine Moffat of Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina as its new President, marking a historic first for the Association as she becomes the first woman to hold the role.

The election took place at FHTA’s 61st Annual General Meeting held today at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Denarau, where members gathered to confirm the Association’s new Board and office bearers for the year ahead.

Mrs. Moffat’s appointment marks a significant moment for FHTA and Fiji’s tourism industry, recognising both the growing strength of women in sector leadership and the Association’s continued commitment to balanced, representative and forward looking governance.

It is also a moment of continuity for one of Fiji tourism’s best-known families. Mrs. Moffat is the daughter of the late Richard “Dick” Smith, the founder of Musket Cove and one of the pioneers of island tourism in Fiji, who also served as FHTA President from 1994 to 1996 and was a proud life member of the Association.

In her acceptance remarks, Mrs. Moffat paid tribute to the Association’s history, its members and the women who have helped shape Fiji’s hospitality sector over many decades.

“For 61 years, the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association has been the unified voice and the bedrock of our industry,” Mrs. Moffat said. “We have weathered storms, pandemics, navigated unprecedented global shifts, and consistently showcased the resilience and warmth of the Fijian spirit to the world.”

“To be elected as the first female President in our Association’s history is a milestone that belongs not just to me, but to the countless women who have been the quiet backbone of Fiji’s hospitality sector for decades,” she said. “From the front offices to the executive boards, women have always helped steer the course of our industry. I am proud to represent that legacy, and I hope this moment serves as an open door for the next generation of female leaders in tourism.”

Mrs. Moffat said her vision for FHTA would be guided by inclusive growth, sustainable innovation and stronger collaboration across the industry.

“As we look ahead, my vision for FHTA is one of inclusive growth and sustainable innovation,” she said. “We must continue to elevate our standards while ensuring that the benefits of tourism enrich our local communities and protect our fragile ecosysteMrs.. I and the Board look forward to advocating fiercely for our members and working hand-in-hand with Government and our partners to ensure our industry is always at the table.”

FHTA Chief Executive Officer Fantasha Lockington said Mrs. Moffat’s election was a historic and deeply meaningful moment for the Association.

“Josephine’s election as FHTA’s first female President is a milestone for the Association and for Fiji tourism,” Mrs. Lockington said. “It recognises the women who have long carried so much of this industry’s strength, professionalism and warmth, from frontline service to executive leadership, and it sends a clear message that tourism leadership must continue to reflect the people who make the industry what it is.”

Mrs. Lockington said Mrs. Moffat’s leadership also brought together heritage and fresh direction at a critical time for the sector.

“There is something very special about seeing Josephine take up this role in her own right, while also acknowledging the contribution of her father, Richard ‘Dick’ Smith, whose work through Musket Cove and FHTA remains part of Fiji tourism’s story,” she said. “But this is not simply about legacy. Josephine brings her own experience, judgement and commitment to sustainable tourism, and that is exactly the kind of leadership the industry needs as we look ahead.”

The AGM also confirmed the Association’s newly elected Board members: Adam Wade of Vuda Marina Fiji, Adriu Tupou of Grand Pacific Hotel under the Fiji National Provident Fund, Allan Gortan of Paradise Taveuni, Lachlan Walker of InterContinental Hotels Group, Lee Pearce of Raffe Hotels & Resorts, Silvano Dressino of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, and Tammie Tam of Warwick Hotels & Resorts.

The new office bearers are Josephine Moffat of Musket Cove as President, with Lee Pearce of Raffe Hotels & Resorts and Narend Kumar of Tanoa Group of Hotels elected as Vice Presidents.

Mrs. Lockington said the new Board reflected the diversity and operational depth of Fiji’s tourism industry.

“This Board brings together experience across marinas, island resorts, major hotels, family-owned operations, luxury properties and regional hotel groups,” she said. “That balance matters because FHTA’s work must reflect the full reality of the industry, from national policy discussions to the day-to-day pressures faced by operators across the country.”

She said the Association would continue to focus on practical advocacy for members while strengthening its work around sustainability, workforce development, investment confidence and regulatory reform.

“The issues before the industry are increasingly complex, from labour and skills to taxation, infrastructure, marine safety, environmental protection, climate resilience and the cost of doing business,” Mrs. Lockington said. “FHTA’s role is to keep the industry’s voice clear, evidence-based and united, while ensuring tourism growth remains responsible, inclusive and anchored in the communities and natural environment that make Fiji so special.”

The AGM also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing President Narend Kumar, who has served the Association through a period of recovery, rebuilding and renewed industry confidence following the disruption of the pandemic years.

Mrs. Moffat also paid tribute to the FHTA Secretariat, noting the work carried out behind the scenes to take members’ collective voice to Government and ensure industry concerns are heard and acted upon.

FHTA said the year ahead would require continued partnership across the public and private sectors, particularly as tourism operators navigate evolving regulatory requirements, workforce pressures, infrastructure constraints, environmental obligations and rising expectations around sustainable visitor experiences.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to working with members, Government, development partners and industry stakeholders to ensure tourism growth continues to support Fiji’s economy, protect its natural assets and deliver meaningful benefits for local communities.

As Fiji’s tourism sector looks ahead, Mrs. Moffat’s election marks a new chapter for FHTA, shaped by history, stronger representation and a shared responsibility to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the industry.