As the Pacific region continues to strengthen its position in the global tourism
landscape, HOTEC 2024 will play a pivotal role in showcasing Fiji’s vibrant hospitality
and tourism industry.
With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural preservation, this year’s event, set for this week, October 24th and 25th, will bring together key stakeholders, industry professionals, and thought leaders from across the South Pacific and the world. The event promises a dynamic mix of trade exhibitions, masterclasses, competitions, and information sessions that cater to the future needs of the tourism sector.
Held at the Denarau Island Convention Centre (DICC), HOTEC 2024 will feature a packed two-day program, highlighted by thought-provoking information sessions, interactive demonstrations, and exciting competitions in various areas of hospitality.
Below is a breakdown of the key events and activities planned for the two days.
HOTEC 2024 DAY 1 – THURSDAY, 24TH OCTOBER
Event Official Opening (Venue: Orchid Ballroom 9:00 am – 9:45 am) – The official
opening ceremony will set the tone for the event, featuring speeches from notable
figures in the industry, followed by a tradeshow walk-through led by the Chief Guest, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr Viliame Gavoka.
HOTEC 2024 (Venue: Denarau Island Convention Centre (DICC) 9:00 am – 5:00 pm) – The tradeshow will be open throughout the day, allowing attendees to explore various exhibitors’ products, services, and innovations while engaging in networking and business appointments.
Information Session 1: Prosperous Visitor Economy (Frangipani & Gardenia
Ballroom 10:00 am – 11:00 am) – This session will delve into strategies for achieving
a prosperous visitor economy, focusing on taxation, local purchasing, and the use of
digital tools to maximize marketability. Sponsored by PTI Australia, it will offer industry
insights on how businesses can boost their economic sustainability.
Free Coffee Station (Pre-function Area – Station 1, DICC)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Keep energized throughout the day by visiting the free coffee station, courtesy of the South Pacific Coffee Company (SPCC).
Barista Competition Finals (Golden Ballroom Pre-function Area – Station 2 10:00 am – 4:00 pm) – Coffee aficionados will battle it out at the Barista Competition Finals, where the best in the industry showcase their craft. Sponsored by SPCC.
Wine Training (Navua Meeting Room 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Tessa Bird-Ritchie from
Oyster Bay Wines will lead an exclusive wine training session, organized by Victoria
Wines & Spirits.
Sustainability Demonstration (Sigatoka/Rewa Meeting Room 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm) –
Learn how businesses can adopt sustainable practices in a session organized by ACT
Trade. This session will focus on practical sustainability applications within the tourism
and hospitality industries.
Information Session 2: Thriving and Inclusive Communities (Frangipani & Gardenia Ballroom 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – This session will explore ways to foster inclusivity and thriving communities through compliant working conditions, local employment, and community engagement.
Beverage and Food Demonstration (Sigatoka/Rewa Meeting Room 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm) – Another session by ACT Trade, this demonstration will showcase the latest in food and beverage innovations.
HOTEC Networking Cocktail (Frangipani & Gardenia Ballroom & Pre-function Area
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Attendees will wind down Day 1 with a Networking Cocktail, a fantastic opportunity to connect with other professionals while enjoying Fiji’s best cocktails. Sponsored by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE).
HOTEC 2024 DAY 2 – FRIDAY, 25TH OCTOBER
HOTEC 2024 (DICC 9:00 am – 3:00 pm) – The tradeshow continues, offering more
opportunities for appointments, product exploration, and networking.
Information Session 3: Visible and Valued Cultures (Frangipani & Gardenia
Ballroom 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Learn how to manage cultural tourism respectfully.
This session will focus on indigenous community interactions, land and water rights,
and protecting cultural heritage.
Cocktail Competition Finals (DICC 11:30 am – 2:00 pm) – Witness the exciting
conclusion of the Cocktail Competition, where the best mixologists will compete for top
honors. Sponsored by Decked Out Fiji Group (Finest Liquor & Triple 3) and Punjas.
Chef Competition Finals (Golden Ballroom 11:00 am – 4:00 pm) – The region’s top
chefs will compete in the Cooking Competition Finals, sponsored by Fiji Gas and
Punjas, showcasing their skills in preparing mouth-watering dishes.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits Cocktail Training (Navua Meeting Room 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm) – Kelli Mcphie will lead this unique session on creating cocktails using Lyre’s non
alcoholic spirits, providing a fresh approach to beverage offerings. Organized by
Victoria Wines & Spirits.
Information Session 4: Healthy Islands & Oceans (Frangipani & Gardenia Ballroom
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm) – This session will focus on sustainable resource management,
highlighting water and waste management solutions crucial for maintaining healthy
islands and oceans. Sponsored by Palmex International.
HOTEC Gala Awards Night (Golden Ballroom 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) The event will
culminate in a glamorous Gala Awards Night, celebrating the best of HOTEC 2024.
Hosted by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and Trade & Investment
Queensland (TIQ), the evening will honor excellence in hospitality and tourism.
Come Down and See For Yourself
HOTEC 2024 promises to be an engaging and insightful event, offering participants
the chance to learn from industry leaders, explore innovative products, and strengthen
their professional networks. By focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural
preservation, this year’s event will not only celebrate Fiji’s thriving tourism sector but
also set the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Whether you’re a hotelier, supplier, or simply someone passionate about the hospitality
industry, HOTEC 2024 will be an event not to miss.
