Ravinder Dhesi, the general manager of JW Marriott Gold Coast and a national of Fiji, celebrates 25 years of service with Marriott International this month. Dhesi started his hospitality career in 1999 within the finance department at ITT Sheraton Resort in Denarau, Fiji, and has since been involved with Marriott properties in Noosa, the Gold Coast, and Denarau, before returning to the Gold Coast.
Throughout his career, Dhesi has accomplished significant milestones, including the complete renovation, rebranding, and launch of the first JW Marriott brand in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. He has received numerous awards, including the Global JW Marriott Brand General Manager of the Year and Marriott International APEC Luxury General Manager of the Year in 2022.
He attributes his achievements to a strong work ethic, the guidance of mentors, and the support of his family and friends, drawing inspiration from pioneers in the Fijian tourism sector. Dhesi believes in the importance of having mentors in the industry, stating that local leaders like Radike Qereqeretabua and Tony Whitton have significantly inspired him. He also admires the work of Andre Viljoen and his team at Fiji Airways, which motivates him to strive for success.
Dhesi emphasizes the need for a personal vision and career plan as essential components for success. He reflected on how resilience, persistence, and seizing opportunities have been vital to his journey. Echoing the words of Marriott International’s chairman emeritus, he stated that “Success is never final,” reinforcing the idea of continuous improvement and pursuing new goals.
Grateful for the support of his family and mentors, Dhesi advocates for surrounding oneself with a strong support system to achieve career aspirations. He hopes his journey can inspire other Fijians in the hospitality field, highlighting the tourism industry’s importance to Fiji’s economy. He aims to blend exemplary service with the country’s natural warmth to drive growth in the sector, supporting Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill’s goal of achieving $1 billion in growth.