The owner of a company who has diversified his business to meet various tourism industry needs is on our focus this week.

From travel inbound specialist to offering a wide range of exclusive services for tourist needs, Tour Managers Fiji, established in 2001, was born from the founder’s yearn for diversity.

The owner, managing director, Damend Gounder, a respected man in the tourism industry, began his journey by working at various establishments before establishing his own.

Mr Gounder has been involved with the industry for the past 15 years in various capacities.
In 2000, he headed the Fiji Tourism Action Group (TAG) that successfully drove the recovery programmes after the events of May 2000 and he was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution Award to Fiji Tourism’ in 2001.

Recently, his company launched the Tour Managers 2015 Tour Guide for the Chinese.

But what is his latest business management acquisition is Yatule Beach Resort now known as Yatule Resort and Spa @ Natadola Beach.

The company leased the property from Fiji National Provident Fund. Currently, the resort has already completed renovations and is expected to open on January 17.

“Our Company is founded on people’s trust and relationships the owners have enjoyed for many years,” Mr Gounder said

“We pride ourself on our quality service, innovative ideas and extensive options for our clients.”

His move into developing the Chinese tour guide, he said, was founded on the basis that major tourism hubs were now sourcing and heavily marketing their products China.

And Fiji was no different.

We find out more about Mr Gounder’s bright career in the industry.

What are some companies you operate?

We operate a very successful Weddings and Event Management Company – Paradise Brides Ltd.

This company was formed in 2001 and owns a wedding chapel in Denarau and arranges weddings at the chapel and also various other locations.

Paradise Brides Ltd has also worked with some Bollywood movies filmed in Fiji to assist in scene set ups etc.

You came from an Engineering background, how did the transition happen? was in an engineering form in high school. However I spent my early journey in the agricultural sector before getting tertiary education in Japan and then joining the Tourism industry.

I have served the industry in various capacities including the boards of Air Pacific (now Fiji Airways), Fiji Visitors Bureau (now Tourism Fiji), President of SOFTA and as the Chairman of the Tourism Action Group (TAG).

TAG was formed after the events of May 2000 to spearhead the recovery of the Tourism Industry.

I have a very special place in my memories for the members of this committee. It is one group that showed Fiji and the world that we can achieve even the impossible by being united and offering services based on one simple agenda. The committee was recalled to assist the industry in December 2006.

The work of TAG is still being referred to as one of the best Crisis Management plans of recent times.

Where do you see your company in 5 years?

We have set our goals for the next 5 years and to achieve this I have brought into the company some very young professionals to lead the team and our plans.

I always say this to my team that the expansion of a company is not based on the profits it makes but on the number of new employment opportunities we are able to create for our young people.

Commitment to this type of expansion takes care of the profitability.

We have diversified into some new business and in the New Year one of it will be launched while we will continue to work on the rest of the plans.

All the plans have this focus of mine to create more employment opportunities to our young people.

And in 10 years?

Ea Continue to achieve the focus of a company able deliver good quality services and create employment for all Fijians. Tour Managers is one of the very few successful and fully locally owned businesses in the Tourism industry and specifically for the inbound operator business.

We have always had the belief that Fijians can be successful in the Tourism industry.

With the occasion guidance and technical expertise and teaching from international experts to empower our local people, we believe that locals can do just as well or even better in management positions or in whatever employment when able to provide.

The opportunity must be given to Fijians and this belief by Tour Managers is well in line with government’s policies which supports locally owned business to generate more employment.

From a marketing perspective, what are needed to mould this area especially in China?

It takes marketing Fiji in China to a new level and we are thankful to partners like Tourism Fiji, Fiji Airways and the many resorts featured in the guide.

Tour Managers will continuously upgrade this Guide and we expect a much bigger one in 2016.

How have you established yourself and come this far?

Simple! The basics of doing business with integrity and doing that little extra when delivering services. The team at Tour Managers know my principles and have made it theirs to help the company this far.

ON Chinese Tour Guide
What does releasing the first Chinese tour book mean to you?
The release of the Tour Managers Fiji Travel Guide further enhances the company’s position as a leading Inbound Operator in the country.
Who were the people who contributed significantly to the making of the book?
Tour Managers has always been a strong and loyal partner with various members of the Tourism Industry

And I was not surprised at the support we received from industry partners for this project. The Chinese Travel Guide has information of over 50 resorts and many attractions, etc.

Note: We are always looking for promising and successful business stories to tell our readers.
If you know someone who has something interesting to tell readers through HARD TALK, send email to sunbiz@fijisun.com.fj