Tourism Fiji has announced the appointment of Dr Paresh Pant as its next Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new phase of leadership for the country’s most vital industry. The decision, confirmed by the Tourism Fiji Board on 17 September 2025, takes effect in mid-October.
Dr Pant brings over two decades of experience across tourism, aviation and hospitality in Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. He has previously served as Tourism Fiji’s Regional Director for New Zealand and Australia and has advised several national and regional tourism organisations.
Tourism Fiji Board Chair Ilisapeci Matatolu said Dr Pant’s deep understanding of the industry and his proven ability to adapt to changing global trends made him an ideal choice. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka welcomed the appointment, saying it came at a crucial time as Fiji consolidated post-pandemic recovery and sought to diversify source markets.
Armed with a PhD in Tourism Strategy and Aviation Management from Griffith University (Australia) and postgraduate qualifications in commerce and marketing from New Zealand, Dr Pant is expected to bring analytical rigour to destination marketing and visitor-experience design.
His priorities will include strengthening brand Fiji in high-value markets, integrating sustainability into tourism operations, and ensuring community participation in growth opportunities. The appointment also signals a broader strategic reset: an emphasis on resilience, climate adaptation and the use of digital tools to enhance visitor engagement.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the news, describing Dr Pant as a unifying figure with both global vision and local insight. His challenge now is to sustain the recovery momentum while steering Fiji towards a greener, smarter and more inclusive tourism future.
