Ilisapeci Matatolu has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Tourism Fiji Board.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, made the announcement today and says Matatolu brings extensive experience in destination marketing, having served for over a decade with Tourism Fiji, then the Fiji Visitors Bureau as Regional Director for Australia and later North America between 2002 and 2013.
Gavoka says Matatolu is currently undertaking Doctoral studies at the University of the South Pacific, focusing on indigenous women, tourism, and gender equality.
He adds that Matatolu has also published on topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and quality of life in tourism.
Describing her as a proud iTaukei pracademic, Gavoka says Matatolu bridges academic research with industry leadership. She holds a Tourism degree from James Cook University and a Master of Arts from USP, where she also lectured in Tourism and Hospitality.
The Minister says the tourism sector is at a critical point of recovery and growth, and Matatolu’s leadership will help steer Tourism Fiji towards bold and innovative strategies that respond to global trends.
He adds her appointment strengthens the Board’s strategic capacity, and he is confident she will serve with vision and purpose.
Matatolu replaces Andre Viljoen, who Gavoka thanked for his leadership during one of the industry’s most challenging periods.
He says Viljoen’s guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in maintaining focus and stability, and his legacy is reflected in the accolades achieved by Fiji, Tourism Fiji, and Fiji Airways.
Gavoka says the previous Board, under Viljoen’s chairmanship, laid a strong foundation for recovery and future growth, and with Matatolu at the helm, Tourism Fiji is well-positioned to deliver on national objectives.
He congratulated Matatolu and says he looks forward to working with her to ensure inclusive and sustainable tourism success.
