Suva, Fiji – 9th January 2024: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) is saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. David Petrie Ragg, a distinguished life member of the Association.
His journey through the Fijian tourism landscape is marked by unwavering dedication and versatile expertise during pioneering times that shaped where the tourism industry is today.
From 1956 to 1972, he served with Northern Hotels Ltd, holding various roles including clerk, cadet hotel manager, hotel manager, relieving hotel manager, and ultimately, Company Secretary.
His extensive experience and commitment during this period laid the foundation for his subsequent impactful contributions.
During the years 1965-1970, “many moons ago,” as he fondly put it in his own words, Mr. Ragg served as the Executive Secretary of the (then) Fiji Hotel Association.
His dedication extended to roles such as Assistant to the Managing Director of Fiji Resorts Ltd and Property Manager of Petrie Ltd., a 900-acre beachfront development site, from 1973-1975.
From 1976 to 1996, Mr. Ragg took on the role of Property Manager/Liquidator with the Fiji Property Centre Ltd. Subsequently, he continued to make significant contributions with Raine & Horne and Ragg & Associates Fiji Ltd., where he served as Managing Director. His enduring commitment to the industry continued until 2006, when he retired as a registered Property Valuer. He also served on many boards and in Government advisory capacities over the years.
Even after retirement, Mr. Ragg maintained a keen interest in Fijian affairs, keeping abreast of events in the country through his family in Fiji and through the FHTA’s member updates to him as one of its long-term, and respected Trustees.
FHTA pays homage to the multi-faceted career of Mr. Ragg, acknowledging his role in developing the hospitality sector during the industry’s early years.
His legacy as a dedicated professional, community leader, and family man who was known to be generous, caring, funny and industrious, will endure in the memories of those who knew him.
The Board and Secretariat of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association extend their deepest condolences to Anna and the family who are laying David to rest in Australia this week.
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association
The Voice of the Industry
