Pursue tourism, hospitality: Tiko
“You will help meet the needs of guests from different social and cultural backgrounds while they enjoy their time in Fiji”
Tourism continues to be Fiji’s fastest growing industry and is the country’s largest foreign exchange earner exceeding the combined revenue of the top five merchandise exports namely fish, water, sugar, garments and timber.
Speaking at the Fiji National University (FNU) College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies graduation ceremony yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Education, Heritage and Arts Iowane Tiko said service was important in the global market.
He told hospitality and tourism graduates that the contextualised, tailor-made programmes would allow them to meet the demands from the lucrative industry.
“Your transferable people skills can be used in careers far beyond the certificates, diplomas and degrees you will receive today,” Mr Tiko said.
“You will help meet the needs of guests from different social and cultural backgrounds while they enjoy their time in Fiji and at the same time contribute to the economic, social and environmental growth of the Fijian economy.”
Mr Tiko advised business graduates to be vigilant in compiling correct data and identifying relevant, applicable and new resources to benefit their employers in financial management and the effective daily operation of the workplace.
“You will showcase the lifelong learning skills acquired from FNU to overcome business, organisation problems with management skills,” he said.
While congratulating the 335 graduates he encouraged them to celebrate their academic achievements.
“It is truly a time to celebrate! You have spent many sleepless nights; with some of you sacrificing family time and social obligations for assignments and study for exams.” Mr Tiko also told graduates to consider continuously advancing their qualifications to stay on par with the demands of the labour market.