Tourism Fiji has strengthened its governance capability and legal oversight with the appointment of lawyer Deepesh Singh as Board Secretary and Corporate Services / Governance Specialist. The establishment of this role within Tourism Fiji comes at a pivotal time, recognising the need to support the organisation’s next phase of institutional growth, strengthened accountability and enhanced global competitiveness.
Deepesh joined Tourism Fiji in April this year as part of a broader governance initiative being led by Chief Executive Officer, Dr Paresh Pant, in close collaboration with Tourism Fiji’sBoard of Directors and the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The role underscores Tourism Fiji’s growing emphasis on governance excellence, legal compliance, accountability and organisational integrity as the national tourism body continues to promote Fiji’s tourism sector and strengthen Fiji’s position as a globally competitive destination.
The appointment reflects Tourism Fiji’s continued transformation into a modern, high-performing institution at the forefront of one of Fiji’s most important economic sectors(accounting for approximately 40% of Fiji’s GDP). While internationally recognised for promoting Fiji to the world, the organisation is now equally focused on strengthening the governance frameworks, institutional discipline and accountability mechanisms needed to support sustainable long-term growth.
Tourism Fiji’s Board Chairperson, Ilisapeci Matatolu, has emphasised the importance of strong governance and accountability frameworks as Tourism Fiji continues to expand its strategic influence both domestically and internationally. She also affirmed Tourism Fiji’s commitment to operate at the highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability.
“As custodians of one of Fiji’s most important economic sectors, we recognise the need to continuously strengthen our governance framework, modernise internal processes and ensure full alignment with intent and objectives of the Tourism Fiji Act.” Ms Matatolu said.
She said Deepesh’s appointment would significantly strengthen Tourism Fiji’s governance capability while providing the Board and executive management with robust institutional systems, sound legal oversight and enhanced policy coordination.
Tourism Fiji’s CEO, Dr Paresh Pant, said the governance transformation is a key pillar of Tourism Fiji’s future direction as it continues to build a globally respected destination brandsupported by strong leadership and accountability systems.
He said that as Tourism Fiji grows in scale, influence and operational responsibility, itsgovernance systems must evolve simultaneously.
“We are undertaking a comprehensive review of our governance framework, reporting structures and accountability mechanisms to ensure Tourism Fiji not only remains fully aligned with Government expectations but also meets global best practices” said Dr Pant.
He described Deepesh’s appointment as an important investment in institutional capability that will strengthen governance coordination, enhance legal compliance and reinforce a culture of professionalism, accountability and organisational excellence across Tourism Fiji.
Deepesh brings a distinctive combination of legal expertise, governance experience, economic and policy analysis and international achievement to the role. A qualified lawyer, he has more than seven years of experience in legal practice advising on a diverse set of matters and including corporate law, governance and compliance. Earlier this year, he became the first person from Fiji to complete the prestigious European Master of Law and Economics programme, graduating with distinction and ranking fourth overall among animpressive international cohort.
He has already begun contributing meaningfully in his role, taking initiative and supporting ongoing governance and legal functions within Tourism Fiji as part of the organisation’s broader institutional strengthening efforts.
As part of a new generation of Fijian professionals focused on governance, accountability, institutional reform and public value, Deepesh has previously advocated across various media on the importance of building systems that are not only compliant but also genuinely effective in delivering the intended objectives and promoting public trust and benefit, particularly in supporting Fiji’s long term national development.
Speaking on his appointment, Deepesh said he was grateful for the opportunity to join Tourism Fiji at such a pivotal stage in its development and evolution.
“As someone from the West, where the tourism industry plays such a significant role in supporting communities and livelihoods, I have seen firsthand the importance of the sector to Fiji’s economy. It is a privilege to serve in this role and I am humbled to be able to contribute to Tourism Fiji’s ongoing work and vision to maintain robust governance systems which operate transparently and for the benefit of our country and its people” said Mr Singh.
Deepesh said he is looking forward to working closely with the Board, executive leadershipand staff to support Tourism Fiji’s strategic objectives and ongoing institutional transformation to help ensure to sustained growth and long-term benefits for the country.
Tourism Fiji said the strengthening of its governance framework would continue alongside broader reforms focused on operational excellence, industry collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth, as the organisation continues positioning Fiji as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
