TOURISM Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill is leaving the organisation, just days after Tourism Fiji board chair and Fiji Airways chief executive officer Andre Viljoen announced his resignation.
In a statement yesterday, Tourism Fiji said Mr Hill concludes his tenure with the organisation at the end of August, following a successful four years in his CEO role and is returning permanently to Australia with his growing family.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka told The Fiji Times yesterday the Tourism Fiji board would put in place the process to find a replacement for Mr Hill, and it would be the best person qualified.
“Andre Viljoen and Brent Hill had called me in advance about their resignations,” Mr Gavoka said.
“I was greatly saddened but understood the reasons.
“We have a very robust and thriving tourism industry on which their contributions have been significant.
“I have always used the idiom, ‘cometh the hour, cometh the man’ to describe how they provided leadership for tourism to recover from COVID, the pandemic that brought the world to its knees.”
Tourism Fiji board chair Andre Viljoen commended Mr Hill’s leadership, describing him as an outstanding and an inspirational leader for the government’s tourism marketing arm.
“Over the past four years, he has guided the organisation through a period of significant transformation and growth, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic,” Mr Viljoen said.
“His strategic vision, creative energy and deep commitment to the people and culture of Fiji have left an enduring mark on the organisation and the wider tourism industry.
“During Brent’s four years as CEO of Tourism Fiji, the organisation has:
- Developed two major strategic Corporate Plans that have grown visitor arrivals post COVID to an all-time record, exceeding 1 million arrivals,
- Developed and executed a number of major global brand campaigns, including the widely awarded and recognised “Where Happiness Comes Naturally” brand and campaigns,
- Delivered a number of significant events including FTE, AHICE Fiji, AdventureNext, NRL, Tourism Convention, the upcoming GSTC Global Summit, and the World Surf League’s Fiji Pro.
- Championed MSMEs and the tourism industry in Fiji, developing a Destination Development team, the Tourism Super Week and provided consistent support, advice and expertise to the industry, in support of the common goal to grow our industry in Fiji.
Mr Viljoen said Mr Hill was also a champion for investment in tourism into Fiji during his tenure.
“He has provided unparalleled expertise and insight to investors, operators and stakeholders, as the industry continues to grow and develop in line with the growth in demand.
“The pipeline of projects, brands and operators coming to Fiji and sustainably developing the future of the industry, is due in large part to his commitment to the industry and its growth.
“Brent was also a major advocate for sustainability, introducing EV vehicles in scale to Fiji through Tourism Fiji’s transition to fully renewable cars and an EarthCheck accredited green and renewable new modern office in Nadi.
“He also helped oversee both the Bin It or Bag It campaign, as well as the introduction of Loloma Hour – a significant step forward in Fiji’s regenerative tourism efforts.
“And Brent continued to invest in his people, building a capable and achievement-oriented team that is set up for continued success, as Tourism Fiji now moves to find a suitable replacement.
“We would like to thank and acknowledge Brent for his exemplary leadership, tireless dedication, and the passion he brought to his role every day.
“He has played a pivotal role in rebuilding and growing Fiji’s tourism sector, always advocating for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development. His legacy includes not just record visitor numbers and global brand recognition, but a strong, capable team and a future-ready organisation.
“While Brent’s presence and leadership will be missed, we are excited for him as he begins this new chapter with his family in Australia and fully support his decision. We are deeply grateful for all he has done for Tourism Fiji and the Fijian tourism industry.”
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 3, 2025
