Tourism Solomons chairman, Chris Hapa has announced the appointment of senior marketing information officer, Fiona Teama to the role of marketing manager with immediate effect.
Fiona steps into the position previously held by the high profile and extremely popular Freda Unusi who stepped down from the position in August after 10 years at the helm.
A Bachelor of Arts majoring in tourism management from the University of the South Pacific, Ms Teama is also a Fellow of the prestigious US State Department-sponsored Pacific Islands Professional Fellows Program.
Joining the national tourist office in February 2015 as a graduate trainee, most recently she held management responsibility for all aspects of the NTO’s key Australia, dive and romance portfolios.
She also played a strong role in helping to promote the Solomon Islands to the Papua New Guinea market, now one of the destination’s top sources of international visitation.
Announcing the appointment, Tourism Solomons board chairman, Chris Hapa said Fiona’s promotion was a key component of the NTO’s drive to strategically identify and prepare future leaders for the Solomon Islands tourism industry.
“Fiona is stepping up to fill a pair of very big boots but she is the right person for this role,” Mr Hapa said.
“She is an excellent example and very much sets the standard for all young Solomon Islanders looking to play a role in their country’s future and who in a very short time will be taking over the reins.
“Her appointment comes at a critical juncture in Tourism Solomons’ history as we move to further build on the Solomon Islands international profile and potential, in the process, cementing tourism in place as a major economic driver for the Solomon Islands.
“I am confident her involvement and direction in ensuring all Tourism Solomon’s marketing activity on an international basis, fully supported by a very experienced head office and overseas-based team, will play a role in our achieving maximum impact for our country’s tourism aspirations going forward.
“We all wish her the utmost success in her new role.”
Source: Tourism Solomons