DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka has described the new chief executive officer of Tourism Fiji Dr Paresh Pant as someone who is “going to hit the ground running”.
In an interview in Nadi, Mr Gavoka said the ministry and the industry have greatly welcomed the crucial appointment of Dr Pant who will officially assume his new role next month.
Dr Pant replaces outgoing CEO Brent Hill who had resigned in June this year.
“I was very pleased to be informed by the Tourism Fiji Board that they have appointed Dr Paresh Pant to be the new CEO of Tourism Fiji,” Mr Gavoka said.
“As we know, he is not a newcomer, he is a Fijian who now lives in Australia but has dual citizenship and has experience in the industry, having served with Tourism Fiji in New Zealand and Australia.
“And he was very active in Australia especially in indigenous tourism.”
Mr Gavoka said Dr Pant was a qualified person for the role and would be a great asset to Fiji’s tourism industry.
“He has a doctorate in tourism and civil aviation.
“So, his appointment is greatly welcomed by the Ministry and by the industry.
“And he is someone who is going to hit the ground running and leading a very dynamic team in Tourism Fiji, and I know that they will continue to deliver the visitor arrival numbers that we expect.”
Tourism Fiji Board chair Ilisapeci Matatolu welcomed the appointment and expressed the Board’s confidence in his leadership.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr Pant back to Tourism Fiji at a pivotal time for the industry,” Ms Matatolu said.
“His proven record of driving growth in key markets, combined with his deep understanding of Fiji’s tourism landscape, made him the clear choice for this role.
“He not only brings a wealth of global experience but also a genuine passion for Fiji and its people.
“The Board looks forward to working with him to strengthen Fiji’s brand globally, grow sustainable visitor numbers, and ensure our communities benefit from the tourism sector.”
Dr Pant brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in tourism, hospitality, and aviation across Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. He has previously held senior leadership roles with Tourism Fiji, including Regional Director positions in New Zealand and Australia, where he spearheaded major visitor growth and crisis recovery strategies.
Dr Pant is recognised as a visionary strategist who has consistently delivered transformative destination marketing strategies, sustainable visitor growth, and strong stakeholder partnerships.
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: New Tourism Fiji CEO – Government and tourism industry welcome Pant’s return in Page20 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Saturday September 20, 2025
