FHTA 3 June 2020 – The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) has recently signed a Memorandum of understanding with the Society of Fiji Travel Associates (SOFTA) to strengthen the bilateral collaborative relationship that both associations share.
The MOU will also ensure that both bodies continue to work closely to ensure that a wider range of tourism stakeholders continue to be a part of their consultation, information sharing and more recently, developing post-COVID response strategies.
The document was endorsed by FHTA Chief Executive Officer Fantasha Lockington and SOFTA President Beatrice Nast at the FHTA Secretariat Office in Suva.
Members of both associations represent a sizable portion of Fiji’s tourism operators that covers all segments of a diverse industry, including accommodation, marine, tour and transport services.
In addition to the MOU, both FHTA and SOFTA are key members of the Tourism Recovery Team (TRT) which was formed in the past month to develop strategies and guidance for the country’s tourism sector.
Coming under the stewardship of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, the TRT includes other key tourism and Government agency representatives, as well as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for their input and advice during the current global health crisis.
The task force is exploring practical solutions to the challenges being faced by the nation’s largest revenue earner and seeks to ensure recovery is safe, sustainable, and pragmatic while looking into establishing what critical conditions must be planned and implemented to prepare Fiji for its own borders opening up in the not too distant future.
Established in 1965, FHTA has grown from strength to strength over the past fifty-five years and with the increase in membership that now accounts for 80 per cent of total room inventory and industry representation.
SOFTA was formed a few years later in 1967 and has played an integral role in the tourism industry with over 53 years of existence in support of inbound, sightseeing, transport, rental car and cruise operators.
Both bodies are recognised by Tourism Fiji and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport for their advisory functions, vetting processes and industry experience for tourism stakeholders.
