As preparations for HOTEC 2024 commence, organizers are excited to celebrate the event’s 16th iteration, maintaining its status as Fiji’s leading event for the hospitality and tourism sectors. Scheduled for October 24 and 25 at the Denarau Island Convention Centre and the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort, HOTEC has transformed from a local gathering since its inception in 2003 into a significant fixture on the Pacific’s hospitality calendar, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and innovative insights.
What started as an annual occasion has evolved into a biennial celebration, providing attendees with compelling experiences every two years.
HOTEC, which stands for Hospitality, Tourism, and Equipment Conference, originated in 2002 to address a gap in the Pacific hospitality sector. The initiative aimed to create a platform where industry stakeholders could gather to explore current trends and forge essential connections. The inaugural event was a collective effort with the International Travel and Tourism Consultants (ITTC), which played a vital role in establishing HOTEC as an annual highlight for hospitality professionals.
From the beginning, HOTEC aimed to provide a platform for hoteliers, restaurateurs, suppliers, and various industry representatives to connect, discover new products, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of hospitality and tourism. Over the years, the event has attracted an increasing number of exhibitors and attendees from across the Pacific and beyond, leading to the introduction of specialized zones for kitchen equipment, IT solutions, and hotel furnishings, making the event more accessible for attendees seeking specific products.
As HOTEC grew, so did its reputation. International exhibitors and speakers began to join the event, showcasing the global nature of the hospitality industry. The addition of educational seminars and workshops further enhanced the value of HOTEC for attendees, offering actionable insights and knowledge to benefit their businesses.
In recent years, the event has focused on digital transformation and sustainability, highlighting the latest technologies and eco-friendly practices. Interactive elements, such as live demonstrations and hands-on sessions, have made it easier for participants to engage with innovations firsthand.
HOTEC’s evolution illustrates its adaptability to the industry’s changing demands while remaining committed to its core mission of promoting connections and featuring emerging trends. Traditionally catered to Fiji’s tourism operators of all sizes, the 2024 event aims to broaden its reach by inviting hoteliers from across the South Pacific. This expansion promises an even wider audience for exhibitors, enhancing the excitement and value of HOTEC.
The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) currently spearheads the event, ensuring it aligns with industry needs and trends. Their extensive industry connections have established HOTEC as a vital platform for promoting Fiji as a premier destination for hospitality and tourism.
Additionally, FHTA collaborates with various stakeholders, including local government entities, industry associations, and corporate sponsors, to create a dynamic and engaging event experience.
This year, HOTEC is receiving significant support from platinum sponsors, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), along with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as a gold sponsor. These partnerships are crucial for the successful execution of an event of such scale and quality.
Exciting competitions also feature a strong lineup of partners, including the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, Finest Liquor and Triple 3, South Pacific Coffee Company, and Fiji Gas, adding an extra element of anticipation to the event.
Among the notable event partners contributing to HOTEC are The Fiji Times, Decked Out Apparel, FIJI Water, Microhire, Fiji Airways, Sharma Music, and Total Event Company, whose support is vital to creating a vibrant event atmosphere.
As HOTEC approaches its 16th edition, this year’s event promises to be particularly noteworthy. Attendees can expect a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing premier products and services across various sectors, including food and beverage producers, equipment suppliers, waste management solutions, and eco-friendly products.
Sustainability will be a significant focus at HOTEC 2024, with exhibitors and speakers presenting environmentally-friendly practices that illustrate how the hospitality industry can take the lead in conservation without sacrificing quality.
Interactive sessions and live demonstrations will also enhance engagement, allowing participants to experience innovations firsthand, from cooking demonstrations to technology showcases, providing valuable insights for their operations.