A major boost for tourism training in Fiji, as Pacific Polytech’s School of Hospitality and Tourism has officially opened their new Sigatoka Centre, offering hands-on learning opportunities to better prepare students for careers in the industry.
While Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka says the new centre is a milestone for skills development in the tourism sector.
He says the facility was built with a clear purpose — to meet the real needs of the tourism industry and to give students hands-on, practical experience.
He emphasised that the success of Fiji’s tourism industry relies heavily on the professionalism, warmth, and skills of frontline workers.
Gavoka praised the institution for its ongoing partnership with the tourism sector to ensure training remains aligned with market demands.
He also acknowledged Pacific Polytech Chairman Ganesh Chand for leading the initiative.
Chand says the Sigatoka Centre aims to produce job-ready graduates by focusing on practical industry experience — something that has been lacking in Fiji.
He says that in any country, around 80 percent of jobs are performed by tradespeople.
He adds that Pacific Polytech is proud to help equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce.
