Former Flight Centre New Zealand managing director Rick Hamilton has been named as the new chief executive of Tourism Fiji.
He will start today and immediately begin to work on a new strategy for Tourism Fiji under its recently-launched tagline; Fiji, where happiness finds you.
The appointment brings an end to the global search for a replacement for Michael Meade, who stepped down in September.
Tourism Fiji chairman Dave Pflieger said the appointment coincides with the launch of the tourism body's rebranding and repositioning.
"Rick's extensive expertise and experience as a results-focused leader is expected to significantly assist us in our goal to increase tourism to Fiji and further grow the economic impact in 2013 by increasing visitor arrivals, spend and average length of stay," he said.
Hamilton, who departed as Flight Centre 18 months ago, said: "I am truly thrilled to be joining the team at Tourism Fiji and I am excited to work with our many business partners, Fiji's tourism operators and Tourism Fiji's new global partners.
"Fiji is one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth and I look forward to enhancing worldwide awareness about Fiji, its people and its amazing attributes."
Fiji attorney-general and minister for tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said Tourism Fiji must "escalate the benefits of the marketing partnerships and creative initiatives it has diligently and effectively developed".
"We look forward to Mr Hamilton's contribution to the new direction of the organisation and his strengthening of the competencies of Tourism Fiji by ensuring the right team is in place," he said.
"Tourism Fiji must deliver on the investment that the Bainimarama Government has made."
