Tourism Fiji appoints Hill as new chief executive officer
WHEN border restrictions ease and travel resumes, Fiji will need dynamism and creativity in marketing itself as an attractive, aspirational and safe destination, says Tourism Fiji chairman Andre Viljoen.
He made the statement as the organisation announced the appointment of experienced tourism marketing senior executive Brent Hill as chief executive officer.
“We’re delighted to welcome someone of Brent’s calibre to this critically important role not just for Fijian tourism, but for the Fijian economy,” said Mr Viljoen.
He said Mr Hill shone through in the extremely rigorous recruitment process initiated and conducted by the board with PwC’s assistance, for a CEO to lead Tourism Fiji in these unprecedented times, where international tourism activity has been zero for over a year now.
A statement from Tourism Fiji said Mr Hill, who most recently was the executive director of marketing for the South Australian Tourism Commission, came with more than 16 years of experience in tourism and digital marketing, advertising, branding, communications, campaign and executive strategy to Fiji’s national tourism office.
“His proven expertise, experience and ideas for the industry’s revival are a perfect fit for Fiji’s current requirements,” said Mr Viljoen.
Minister for Tourism Faiyaz Koya said restoring tourism activity would not only restore jobs for hundreds of thousands of Fijians, it would also significantly contribute to the revival of the economy through the industry’s multiplier effect.
“We are turning the corner now with the rollout of our national vaccination program in anticipation of market re-entry beyond our traditional markets.
“This sets the scene for Mr Hill and Tourism Fiji to position Fiji as the ideal destination for not only our Aussie and Kiwi friends, but to those that are ready to travel,” he said.
Meanwhile Mr Viljoen said Mr Hill’s immediate focus would be to work with the board and Fiji’s extremely competent health authorities to restore tourism activity.
Mr Hill replaces former CEO Matt Stoeckel, whose tenure ended in December 2020.