South Pacific Tourism appoints new CEO

Press release: The South Pacific Tourism Organisation Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Mr Ilisoni Vuidreketi of Fiji as the new Chief Executive of the Organisation.  In announcing the appointment, the Board Chairman, Mr Peter Vincent said “ we are pleased to have on board Mr Vuidreketi who has just completed his term as Fiji’s Trade Commissioner to the US”.   “His wealth of tourism knowledge will prove useful in building the profile of the South Pacific in our major tourism markets”.  Mr Vincent said “his skills and vast experience in Private Sector development will assist the Organisation in creating partnerships with the private sector to develop the tourism resources of the region. 

He will work closely with our member countries and the Private Sector in strengthening and raising the profile of the Pacific to international markets”, Mr Vincent said. Mr Vuidreketi joins South Pacific Tourism Organisation following his term as Fiji’s Trade Commissioner to the US.  Prior to being Trade Commissioner, Mr Vuidreketi worked for the National Centre for Small and Micro Enterprises [SME] Development in Fiji as the Project Development Specialist.  Mr Vuidreketi previously worked for Fiji Visitors Bureau as the Regional Marketing Director for UK, Europe and Asia and was also the Marketing Services Manager for the Bureau. This is Mr Vuidreketi’s second appointment with the Organisation. 

He first joined the organisation in 1997-2001 as the Commercial Manager and Assistant to the Chief Executive.  “I am pleased to be back in Fiji with SPTO and I look forward to working closely with the member countries in building the sector that has become a key driver of economic growth in the region”, Mr Ilisoni said. Mr Vuidreketi replaces former Chief Executive, Mr Tony Everitt who recently returned to New Zealand with his family.