Pacific Recycling Foundation Welcomes Dr. Paresh Pant as Tourism Fiji’s New CEO

Pacific Recycling Foundation warmly welcomes the appointment of Dr. Paresh Pant as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Fiji. Dr. Pant’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Fiji’s tourism industry. With more than 25 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, and aviation, PRF believes his leadership will be critical in positioning Fiji as a global leader in sustainable and responsible tourism.

Since 2022, PRF and Tourism Fiji have forged a unique and groundbreaking partnership that connects grassroots recycling with sustainable tourism. Together, the two organisations have delivered initiatives to strengthen recycling advocacy, improve waste management practices, and provide structured support for Collection Pillars of Recycling – individuals working informally to keep our environment sustainable.

Through this partnership, sustainability has moved from concept to action, demonstrating that protecting Fiji’s environment through proper waste management and supporting grassroots recyclers is essential for the survival and growth of the tourism industry.

PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, said the stakes could not be higher.

“Tourism is Fiji’s lifeline, but without a sustainable Fiji, there can be no sustainable tourism. The waste management crisis we face today is one of the biggest threats to our tourism future. Our partnership with Tourism Fiji has shown that grassroots recycling and national advocacy can work hand-in-hand to create real impact.”

Deo said they acknowledge the role of Tourism Fiji’s past leadership in recognising the direct alignment between proper waste management and tourism marketing, a linkage that remains critical.

“According to an International Union for Conservation of Nature report, tourists produce seven times more plastic waste per person per day than ordinary households in Fiji. This means the tourism industry must act, and our on-the-ground projects with Tourism Fiji are part of that solution,” Deo added.

Deo added they look forward to working closely with Tourism Fiji in key upcoming activities, including the Vaka Forum Series with Tourism Industry players in November, and the Taveuni Waste Management Project, where hotels and resorts on the island will directly benefit from efforts to keep Taveuni sustainable.

“Tourism Fiji has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to this partnership, and PRF is confident that under Dr. Pant’s leadership, this collaboration will only deepen. His experience and vision come at a time when the link between proper waste management and tourism marketing can no longer be overlooked,” Deo said.
“To build a resilient tourism future, we must ensure that proper waste management solutions are embedded into Fiji’s tourism story. We look forward to meeting with Dr. Pant to share our plans and discuss how this partnership can continue to create impact for both our environment and our tourism brand.”

Deo added that innovative partnerships such as the one with Tourism Fiji are progressive responses to the challenges facing both the environment and the tourism industry.