FHTA Tourism Talanoa: Sustainability in Focus

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, 31 October 2024 – After two years of intense planning, coordination, and anticipation, HOTEC 2024 was nothing short of a triumph.

Bringing this tradeshow to life required more than just effort—it took a shared vision for the future of Fiji’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

This year’s theme, “Sustainability in Focus,” wasn’t just a tagline; it was woven into every aspect of the event, a reminder of our collective commitment to a resilient, eco-conscious future for our industry.

Planning a tradeshow of this scale, especially after a few challenging years, demanded both strategic thinking and unyielding dedication.

From the outset, our little team at the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) was driven by a clear goal: to create an event that not only showcased Fiji’s potential but also fostered meaningful change in how we approach sustainability.

We coordinated closely with key partners, sponsors, and stakeholders, orchestrating everything from impactful competitions to complex logistics.

The success of HOTEC 2024 was also built on invaluable collaborations with industry allies across the Pacific and beyond.

The support from Austrade, Trade and Investment Queensland, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise the ACT and NSW Governments, and Palmex International helped us create a rich platform for learning and networking.

Together, we connected exhibitors, industry leaders, and decision-makers to turn sustainable ideas into action.

The energy and commitment from everyone involved reaffirmed that we’re on the right path towards a sustainable and prosperous future for Fiji.

Our theme this year, “Sustainability in Focus” wasn’t chosen lightly.

It represents a forward-looking vision, one that aligns with Fiji’s Vision 2050 and the sustainable goals laid out in the 2023 International Visitor Survey.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s the cornerstone of our future.

At HOTEC 2024, this theme wove its way through every booth, competition, and side event, grounding our tradeshow in purpose and responsibility.

Exhibitors showcased eco-friendly practices, and every display, from culinary contests to cocktail creations, embraced locally-sourced ingredients, highlighting the richness of our islands while minimizing environmental impact.

Feedback from exhibitors has been fantastic.

They were thrilled with the opportunity to network meaningfully, display innovative products, and connect with people who truly shape the industry.

We saw a turnout of high-level decision-makers, whose presence amplified the show’s value and facilitated real growth opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike.

The side events made the tradeshow even richer.

Information sessions provided insight into best practices, while the sponsored cocktail evenings gave everyone a chance to unwind and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.

At HOTEC 2024, we saw something truly special come to life.

Our chef, barista, and cocktail competitions were not only exciting showcases of talent but a tribute to the power of local products and sustainable practices.

Watching these skilled participants work their magic—using locally sourced ingredients and inventive techniques—was a reminder of just how much our hospitality industry has to offer.

These competitions highlighted that sustainability is not just a theme; it’s an approach we’re embedding in every part of our work.

This was in no small part to our competition partners who played integral parts in bringing these competitions through the various regions and into the finals at HOTEC 2024 – APTC, South Pacific Coffee Company, Finest Liquor and Triple 3, Fiji Gas and Punjas.

Beyond the competitions, our information sessions and masterclasses proved invaluable. Industry leaders shared their expertise on sustainable tourism, helping participants gain practical insights they could take back to their own operations.

These sessions fostered real, impactful discussions, deepening our understanding of what sustainability can look like in the Pacific.

In the evenings, the energy continued as sponsors hosted cocktail events and networking sessions.

Here, participants connected over shared goals in a relaxed environment, bridging gaps across borders and companies to discuss sustainable practices in fresh and informal ways.

Reflecting on HOTEC 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for the partners, sponsors, and stakeholders who made this gathering possible.

Their commitment and support allowed us to bring together the very best of Fiji’s tourism and hospitality industry under one roof.

From the exhibitors and competition participants to the sponsors who believed in our vision, everyone contributed to making this event a true success.

It’s clear that together, we’re creating a brighter, more sustainable future for our industry—one that prioritizes local products, celebrates Pacific talent, and champions sustainability at every turn.

Looking ahead, we’re already excited about what future HOTEC events will bring.

This year’s event set a strong foundation for a journey towards sustainable growth across the region, but we know this is just the beginning.

The conversations, collaborations, and ideas sparked here are what will drive our industry forward in the years to come. We’re thrilled to continue this momentum and to see where it takes us all.

For those who couldn’t join us this year, you missed an extraordinary experience that showcased the very best of Fiji’s hospitality and tourism industry.

HOTEC 2024 was a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and the incredible potential within our industry, with everyone from local talent to global experts contributing to its success.

It was more than just an event; it was a space where ideas were shared, partnerships were formed, and sustainable practices took center stage in a way that truly set the tone for the future of tourism in our region.

But here’s the exciting news: as soon as we closed the book on HOTEC 2024, we began planning for HOTEC 2026.

We’re building on everything we achieved this year, pushing our vision even further to make the next event even more dynamic, insightful, and impactful.

The foundation has been laid, and we’re determined to make HOTEC 2026 an even bigger milestone for our industry.

We can’t wait to welcome even more of you to join us in this journey toward a sustainable, vibrant future for tourism in the Pacific.

Mark your calendars, and we’ll see you in 2026!
Fantasha Lockington – CEO, FHTA (Published in the Fiji Times on 31 October 2024)