Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka has commended outgoing Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen for his decade of transformative leadership, describing his contributions to the tourism industry as both significant and deeply impactful.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, Mr Gavoka said he was saddened to receive the call confirming Mr Viljoen’s decision to return to Mauritius, his home country.
“I spoke with Andre regarding his intention to relinquish his position at Fiji Airways and return to his home country, Mauritius to look after Air Mauritius,” said Mr Gavoka.
“After 10 years with FJ, I suppose I was expecting that call, but nevertheless, I am greatly saddened that it came.
“The idiom, ‘cometh the hour cometh the man’, best describes Andre’s relationship with Fiji and what he has accomplished.”
He said tourism was now on very sure footing with a bright future, thanks in large part to Mr Viljoen’s leadership at Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji.
“At the rate we are going, tourism should be grossing at $4 billion by 2027, and you can put your money on that projection.
“Andre’s contribution in that is significant.”
He confirmed the Government, along with the Fiji Airways board, was now in search of Mr Viljoen’s successor.
“As indicated by the chairman of Fiji Airways, we will search locally and globally for Andre’s replacement and it will go to the person best qualified.”
