As we approach HOTEC 2024, excitement builds as we celebrate our 16th show, reinforcing our position as Fiji’s leading event for the hospitality and tourism sector. This year’s HOTEC is scheduled for October 24 and 25 at the Denarau Island Convention Centre and the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort. Since its launch in 2003, HOTEC has transformed from a local meeting into a vital part of the Pacific hospitality calendar, providing unmatched networking prospects, innovative concepts, and opportunities for industry development.
Originally an annual event, HOTEC has garnered popularity and now takes place biennially, bringing fresh and engaging experiences every two years.
HOTEC, which stands for the Hospitality, Tourism, and Equipment Conference, first commenced in 2002 to address a need within the Pacific hospitality market. The objective was straightforward: to create a forum for industry professionals to gather, explore the latest trends, and foster valuable relationships. The inaugural event was a collaborative effort alongside the International Travel and Tourism Consultants (ITTC), whose expertise has been instrumental in shaping what has morphed into an annual essential for the hospitality sector.
From its inception, HOTEC aimed to provide a platform for hoteliers, restaurateurs, suppliers, and other stakeholders to connect, discover new products, and engage in meaningful dialogues about the future of hospitality and tourism. Over the years, the tradeshow 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, facilitating easier navigation for attendees.
As HOTEC expanded, so did its stature. The event has begun to feature international exhibitors and speakers, showcasing the global nature of the hospitality sector. The addition of educational seminars and workshops has further enhanced the experience, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge for participants to apply within their businesses.
In recent years, we have prioritized digital transformation and sustainability, emphasizing contemporary technology and environmentally friendly practices. The event has also become more interactive, featuring live demonstrations and hands-on sessions that allow attendees to engage directly with the innovations.
HOTEC’s development over the years reflects its responsiveness to the evolving requirements of the industry while maintaining its foundational mission of promoting connections and highlighting new advancements. Traditionally aimed at Fiji’s tourism operators, both large and small, HOTEC 2024 will broaden its focus to include hoteliers from throughout the South Pacific, facilitating a wider audience for exhibitors to showcase their offerings, making the event more dynamic and valuable than ever.
Hotec is primarily organized by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA), the driving force behind the annual success of the tradeshow. FHTA closely monitors industry trends, ensuring that the event meets the needs of all participants while adapting to the latest innovations. Through robust industry connections and a commitment to promoting Fiji as a premier destination for hospitality and tourism, HOTEC has solidified its essential status in the sector.
In addition to FHTA, various stakeholders, including local government bodies and industry associations, collaborate to create a diverse and engaging event that evolves continuously. This year, HOTEC has received significant backing from platinum sponsors, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), along with gold sponsor New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. These partnerships are crucial for delivering an event of this magnitude.
For competitions, we are excited to partner with organizations such as the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, Finest Liquor, Triple 3, South Pacific Coffee Company, and Fiji Gas, adding an extra thrill to the event.
We also acknowledge our fantastic event partners including The Fiji Times, Decked Out Apparel, FIJI Water, Microhire, Fiji Airways, Sharma Music, and Total Event Company, whose support is vital to making HOTEC the vibrant event it has become.
As we prepare for HOTEC 2024, we anticipate a remarkable lineup of experiences. Attendees can expect a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing top food and beverage products, equipment, furniture, waste management solutions, sanitary products, underwater gear, IT and security solutions, and sustainable product suppliers. Whether looking to upgrade existing operations or explore new possibilities, there will be ample inspiration to enhance business practices.
This year, sustainability will take center stage at HOTEC 2024. Exhibitors and speakers will highlight eco-friendly products and practices, demonstrating how the hospitality industry can drive environmental conservation without sacrificing quality or comfort.
Moreover, we are amplifying interactivity through sessions and live demonstrations, allowing attendees to engage with innovations first-hand, whether it is a cooking demonstration or a technology presentation, providing practical insights to implement in their businesses.