CEO Insights Magazine

“You can’t buy happiness, but you can go to Fiji, and that’s pretty much the same thing.” This adage has aged like fine wine. Fiji is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, and the tourism industry contributes about 40 percent (both directly and indirectly) to Fiji's GDP. The island’s tourism industry's resilience is quite a story. Indeed, this resilience can be traced back to a handful of leaders like Damend Gounder, Chairman, Tour Managers Fiji—a leading destination management company. Following the 2000 coup in Fiji, which caused major disruptions to the country’s businesses and the tourism industry, the country's tourism authority selected Damend to lead the recovery efforts. He chaired the Tourism Action Group (TAG), a body formed to spearhead the recovery campaigns for tourism in Fiji. Cut to the present, Damend has grown Tour Managers into a 300-people strong company that directly manages three resorts. Below is an excerpt from our recent interview with him.

You have more than two decades of experience in the tourism industry. Looking back, how do you perceive this journey? How did it all begin?

Winding back, my journey in the tourism industry began in 1988 when I entered the inbound tour business. Within a few years, an opportunity came knocking—to be part of a team that established an inbound tour company. As one of the founding members, I took on significant responsibilities, especially since the company was an Overseas Investment Company. This required adherence to numerous protocols and regulations before we could establish ourselves in Fiji. This experience provided me with valuable insights into company formation and the skills needed to nurture a business from its inception.

One of my notable achievements with that company was leading a dedicated team to success. We not only operated as an inbound tour company but also established a couple of restaurants, introducing new cuisines to the market. This experience laid the foundation for my career.

In 2004, when I had enough experience and confidence to realize my entrepreneurial dream, I decided to break away from the former company and founded Tour Managers. Leveraging my extensive experience and wide network within the tourism industry, I navigated through challenging times. Today, the company I started with just three people has grown to employ around 300 individuals. We also manage three resorts, marking significant milestones in our journey. In addition to our inbound tour operations, we also manage events and a wedding company. It’s been a great journey and experience.

You have had many significant milestones in your life. What do you consider as the most special achievements throughout this journey?

In fact, there are several achievements I am particularly proud of. One significant accomplishment is providing opportunities for young people to join the tourism industry. While we directly employ a large number of individuals, we have also nurtured startups, supporting them as they grow into successful small to medium-sized businesses. This aspect of my journey brings me immense pride.

I am also proud that my contribution to the tourism industry extends beyond my role as an owner and operator. For instance, in 2000, following the coup in Fiji, which caused major disruptions to the country’s businesses and the tourism industry, I was selected by the tourism sector to lead the recovery efforts. I chaired the Tourism Action Group (TAG), a body formed to spearhead the recovery campaigns for tourism in Fiji. This role required uniting a diverse range of opinions from hotels, airlines, and operators and presenting a unified message. Successfully leading this initiative is one of my proudest achievements, as it demonstrated the power of collective effort and effective leadership.

Tell us about your leadership style.

My beginning in business demanded that my leadership style be very much about leading from the front. I had a vision to realize and a business to develop, so I took a hands-on approach. However, a few years later, my leadership style evolved into leading from within. I began working closely with my team, collaborating and moving forward together. There are times when leading from the front is necessary, but often, it is necessary to be part of the team and lead from within. This approach has proven to be very successful.

I firmly believe in surrounding myself with intelligent and young individuals. Our company has always maintained a youthful team. We continue to retain our early employees while also welcoming a large number of young talents. This blend provides a dynamic platform for our operations. While I am ready to lead from the front when needed, most of the time, I lead from within, working alongside the group.

How would you define your recruitment and training approach?

We place a strong emphasis on mentoring within the organization. Tour Managers has peer leaders who train and guide the younger employees. Additionally, we regularly engage consultants and trainers to conduct training programs.

We at Tour Managers also run a successful internship program in collaboration with a nearby university. This program targets final-year students, offering them part-time attachment opportunities within our company. By integrating them into our operations well before their graduation, often up to two years in advance, we help pave their career paths. This approach allows us to nurture talent and ensure a smooth transition from academia to the professional world.

You are also well-known for giving back to the community. Tell us about this aspect of your life.

Philanthropy is a daily commitment for us, not just a one-time donation. This mindset is deeply ingrained in me, likely due to my upbringing and the values instilled by my parents. It's all about caring for people and being present for them. I actively support spiritual and religious initiatives, believing that faith and work together can lead to success.

We also invest in various programs, including those for women's empowerment, children's development, and youth sports. Our support extends to eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable initiatives. These efforts reflect our commitment to making a positive impact.

Philanthropy is a core value of our company and a personal mission for me. It's a continuous effort, and I believe it resonates with my staff as well. Together, we strive to make a difference every day.

What is the future roadmap for Tour Managers?

We are currently working towards a complete rebranding of the organization to establish a master brand for the entire company. Additionally, we are exploring various sectors within the tourism industry and related fields. As time progresses, we hope to add new ventures to our existing portfolio.

At present, my primary focus is on completing the renovations at our resort and reopening it. We are also renovating our event and wedding resort, which we expect to open in the last quarter of this year. These tasks are our immediate priorities for the next few months. Any new ventures will be discussed and considered next year.

What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry?

Carve out a space for yourself based on integrity and credibility. The hospitality industry is fundamentally about people and relationships. By building your relationships on a foundation of trust and honesty, you can achieve lasting success in this field.

Damend Gounder, Chairman, Tour Managers Fiji

With decades of experience and passion for hospitality innovations, Damend has grown Tour Managers into a 300-people strong company that directly manages three resorts. Below is an excerpt from our recent interview with him.