First Alumni Cohort of Tourism Professional Fellows

Initially selected to participate in the Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows Program in 2020, the long-delayed in-person program finally took place in August-September 2022. 12 Fellows, from 5 Pacific Islands took part in a 4-week program that included cultural/educational activities, a 3-week customized work-placement, and extensive networking opportunities. We wrapped-up the program with 4 days in Washington, DC. Highlights of the program included a chance for Fellows to meet US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and share their thoughts about issues affecting the region, and ways the US can better support the priorities of Pacific Islanders.

Fellows and Work-Placements

Fiji

Melissa Natawake, Business Events/MICE Manager, Tourism Fiji. MC&A

Mereoni Rakuro, International Visitation Program (Famils) Coordinator, Tourism Fiji. Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association

Alvin Prasad, Human Resources and Training Manager, Holiday Inn Suva. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts

Vasiti Waqaniburotukula, Service & Standards Trainer, Fiji Airways. Hawaii Employers Council

I absolutely loved working with Malia. In all aspects from a
Woman in leadership and a true epitome of the “Aloha Spirit”.

-Mereoni Rakuro on her work placement

Papua New Guinea

Steven Asilala, Managing Director, Korofeigu Organic Coffee Producers. Green World Coffee Farm

Solomon Islands

Denver Newter, Tourism Operator, Takapuna Rest House, Mānoa Heritage Center

Sonia Fiumae, Head of Tourism Department, Malaita Province Government, Waimea Valley/Hi'ipaka LLC

Timor-Leste

Fatima Moniz Soares, Owner/Operator, Fatima Café. Ke Nui Kitchen

Norberto Da Costa, Director and Trainer, Sentru treinamentu Vocational Juventude (STVJ). Pacific Business Center Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa

Anastacio Madeira Araujo, Operational Manager, Timor Unearthed Tours. travel2change

Vanuatu

Martin Nilwo, Manager, Tafea Tourism, Vanuatu Government. NaHAA's Festival of Pacific Arts Preperatory Program

Eric Vatoko, Managing Director, Blue Bay Resort and Restaurant. Kahala Hotel & Resort

First Alumni Cohort of Tourism Professional Fellows

Initially selected to participate in the Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows Program in 2020, the long-delayed in-person program finally took place in August-September 2022. 12 Fellows, from 5 Pacific Islands took part in a 4-week program that included cultural/educational activities, a 3-week customized work-placement, and extensive networking opportunities. We wrapped-up the program with 4 days in Washington, DC. Highlights of the program included a chance for Fellows to meet US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and share their thoughts about issues affecting the region, and ways the US can better support the priorities of Pacific Islanders.

Orientation AgendaDownload

Fellows and Work-Placements

Fiji

Melissa Natawake, Business Events/MICE Manager, Tourism Fiji. MC&A

Mereoni Rakuro, International Visitation Program (Famils) Coordinator, Tourism Fiji. Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association

Alvin Prasad, Human Resources and Training Manager, Holiday Inn Suva. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts

Vasiti Waqaniburotukula, Service & Standards Trainer, Fiji Airways. Hawaii Employers Council

I absolutely loved working with Malia. In all aspects from a
Woman in leadership and a true epitome of the “Aloha Spirit”.

-Mereoni Rakuro on her work placement

Papua New Guinea

Steven Asilala, Managing Director, Korofeigu Organic Coffee Producers. Green World Coffee Farm

Solomon Islands

Denver Newter, Tourism Operator, Takapuna Rest House, Mānoa Heritage Center

Sonia Fiumae, Head of Tourism Department, Malaita Province Government, Waimea Valley/Hi'ipaka LLC

Timor-Leste

Fatima Moniz Soares, Owner/Operator, Fatima Café. Ke Nui Kitchen

Norberto Da Costa, Director and Trainer, Sentru treinamentu Vocational Juventude (STVJ). Pacific Business Center Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa

Anastacio Madeira Araujo, Operational Manager, Timor Unearthed Tours. travel2change

Vanuatu

Martin Nilwo, Manager, Tafea Tourism, Vanuatu Government. NaHAA's Festival of Pacific Arts Preperatory Program

Eric Vatoko, Managing Director, Blue Bay Resort and Restaurant. Kahala Hotel & Resort