Venue: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Executive Management Team;
General Managers;
Managers;
Peopleology Graduates;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula vinaka and a very good evening to all of you.
It is my pleasure to be here today and celebrate with you, your achievements.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Today we witness 60 students graduating from the Peopleology Programme. Congratulations to all of you, as today you begin to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. Learning does not stop here, so with the art of human connection you now have acquired, use it to successfully build relationships with your colleagues, friends, family and guests. Continue to learn with an open mind, share and talk to each other. Put aside religion, ethnicity, political status, but instead, embrace and bring to life the principles of Peopleology.
As Ambassadors of the Peopleology programme, I urge you to use your hospitality skills, your power of positivity and influence those around you to build our tourism industry and move our nation forward. Do not let your training, commitment and experience be put to waste.
Your training has enabled you to be part of an extraordinary journey. A journey that will give you the differentiation, the edge and the collective alignment to change the face of tourism in Fiji. Fiji being the hub of the Pacific, a place accessible to around 9 million people, or 36 million if we include Australia and New Zealand, you have a great opportunity to influence and contribute to development.
Graduates, believe in your skills and believe in your country. Step up and realize the potential you have. You are unique with your gifts and skills and therefore, never limit your capabilities, but use them to the best of your ability.
Your guests depend and believe in you, therefore turn their everyday moments into extraordinary moments. The Fijian Government also relies on you, as your valuable input and contributions would assist in ensuring that our policies and plans address issues that directly impact your lives and build a better and smarter Fiji.
Ladies and Gentlemen
The tourism industry’s contribution to the Fijian economy is been increasing over the years and according to the Reserve Bank of Fiji 2016 has recorded a contribution of 40 per cent of the GDP – this is unprecedented.
In addition, the industry has been performing exceptionally well in terms of visitor numbers, with each year reaching record number. 2016 was consider a bumper year, however, we are poised for an even bigger 2017. The January to July visitor arrival statistics have shown a healthy increase of 5.1% compared to the same period last year.
When talking about records, in July we have reached the highest number of visitor arrivals ever recorded for a month – 90,108, this is unprecedented and a strong indication of what the rest of the year will bring.
However, we should not rest on our laurels. The same momentum should be maintained and I am confident the industry will continue to excel not only as Fiji’s best industry but also as the trendsetter for the region. As we look to the future, we want to keep this industry thriving by developing new and innovative niche markets in Fiji, such as sports tourism.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to encourage all graduates to be passionate about your country. Many have shared your sacrifices to be where you are today so make your contribution count. Start small from within your groups, family, community and share your learnings to make life a better experience, one that everyone will live to enjoy.
I would like to end with a quote and hope that you will all remember these words from the late boxing great Mr. Muhammad Ali:
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given, than to explore the power they have to change it.
Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.
Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare.
Impossible is potential.
Impossible is temporary.
Impossible is nothing”
With those words, congratulations once again on your graduation and best wishes to you all.
Vinaka vakalevu and thank you.