THE Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) is still lamenting over the loss of one of most influential people in Fiji.
Dixon Seeto was appreciated for his leadership, diplomacy and friendship by those he had worked with, according to a media release by the association.
He was president of the FHTA for more than 16 years and was regarded as someone who was straight forward as well as having an honest assessment of situations and people.
The association said Mr Seeto was valued in an industry where image was highly regarded.
While serving as the president of FHTA, he had strengthened the relationship of the association with Government, NGOs and other stakeholders.
This, according to FHTA, was to make them more relevant as a lobbying body which was carried out through the partnership programs it entered into.
Also in terms of ensuring tourism was always included as part of any collaboration or consultation for constructive developmental input.
“Under his leadership, the various FHTA subcommittees were established to address the many areas of concern for its members from industrial relations to environmental issues,” stated the association.
“He used his public persona and time to great effect to raise the profile of the association, and grew the membership to where it is today, representing 80 per cent of the room inventory in the Fiji market.”
The association said Mr Seeto had drawn on his experience within the tourism industry to direct his decisions as the president but also to provide advice to the board as well as the staff members.
“In his public representation of the association, he did not shy away from speaking out, but at the same time delivered uncomfortable messages with tact.
“His friendly yet professional demeanour earned him many allies and friends in various circles, which bode well for FHTA when co-operation was needed, or when better understanding of tourism’s often complicated processes required clarification.
Mr Seeto was regarded as the face and voice of the association to the FHTA members.
“His hard work and commitment ensured that the tourism operators and owners had an avenue to express themselves in the public arena, with Government, with regional organisations, relevant stakeholders and to the community at large.
“The board and secretariat know they have lost an irreplaceable icon and distinct voice.
“The tourism industry acknowledges with great sorrow that they have lost a formidable ally, supporter and advocate,” stated the association.
Mr Seeto’s legacy would be placed on FHTA’s commitment to continue working towards what he was most passionate about.
According to the association, “it was good fortourism only if the whole economy benefitted”, which was what defined who he was.
