As we approach HOTEC 2024, we are excited to celebrate our 16th show, continuing the legacy of being Fiji’s leading event for the hospitality and tourism sector. 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 into a significant event in the Pacific hospitality calendar since its launch in 2003, providing unmatched networking opportunities, innovative ideas, and industry growth.
Initially an annual event, HOTEC has now become a biennial highlight, creating anticipation every two years.
HOTEC, which stands for the Hospitality, Tourism, and Equipment Conference, was established in 2002 to address a void in the Pacific hospitality market. The goal was straightforward: to create a platform where industry professionals could network, explore the latest trends, and forge valuable connections. The inaugural event was a collaborative initiative with the International Travel and Tourism Consultants (ITTC), whose expertise laid the groundwork for what has become a staple event for hospitality professionals.
The primary focus of HOTEC has always been to provide hoteliers, restaurant owners, suppliers, and other stakeholders a space to meet, discover new products, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of hospitality and tourism. As the event grew, it attracted more exhibitors and attendees from the Pacific region and beyond, leading to the introduction of specialized zones for kitchen equipment, IT solutions, and hotel furnishings, streamlining the experience for participants.
Over time, HOTEC has built its reputation, drawing in international exhibitors and speakers that reflect the global nature of the hospitality industry. The addition of educational seminars and workshops has further enhanced the value of the event, providing attendees with insights and practical knowledge applicable to their businesses.
In recent editions, we have embraced trends in digital transformation and sustainability, showcasing the latest technology and eco-friendly practices. The event has also become more interactive, featuring live demonstrations and hands-on sessions that allow participants to engage directly with the innovations on display.
HOTEC’s evolution highlights its capacity to adapt to industry changes while maintaining its fundamental mission: fostering connections and showcasing new trends. Traditionally tailored to Fiji’s tourism operators, the 2024 event will expand its reach, welcoming hoteliers from across the South Pacific, thereby offering exhibitors a larger audience for their products and services.
Organized predominantly by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA), HOTEC owes much of its success to FHTA’s deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics and commitment to promoting Fiji as a leading tourism and hospitality destination. FHTA collaborates with numerous stakeholders, including local government entities, industry associations, and corporate sponsors, ensuring a vibrant and engaging event experience.
This year, HOTEC is proud to receive substantial support 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 executing an event of such scale and significance.
Competitions at HOTEC benefit from great partners, including the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, Finest Liquor, Triple 3, South Pacific Coffee Company, and Fiji Gas, adding an exciting atmosphere to the occasion. Acknowledgment also goes to our sponsors and partners, including The Fiji Times, Decked Out Apparel, FIJI Water, Microhire, Fiji Airways, Sharma Music, and Total Event Company, whose contributions play a vital role in making HOTEC a well-rounded and vibrant event.
As we prepare for the 16th edition of HOTEC, this year promises to be extraordinary. Attendees can expect a diverse range of exhibitors, showcasing top products and services across the industry, from food and beverage producers to IT solutions and sustainable suppliers.
Sustainability will be a major theme at HOTEC 2024, with exhibitors and speakers spotlighting eco-friendly practices that reflect how the hospitality sector can prioritize environmental conservation while delivering quality and comfort.
Interactive sessions and live demonstrations will enhance engagement this year, offering attendees hands-on experience with innovations presented at the event, from cooking demonstrations to technology showcases.