Nadi, April 18, 2026. – During his visit to the cities of Nadi and Lautoka in Fiji’s Western Division, Cuban Ambassador Néstor Torres Olivera held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening academic ties between the two nations, with a special focus on the tourism sector and higher education.
During a working session at the Namaka Campus of the Fiji National University (FNU), the Cuban diplomat and the Campus Director, Mr. Filimoni Saumaki, explored avenues for fostering academic exchange with Cuban institutions. Also participating in the meeting were Mr. Amar Amit Narayan, Director of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS), and Mr. Sunil Sinha, Department Head. Both parties agreed on the importance of the tourism sector as an economic driver for Cuba and Fiji, and its focus on the “sun and beach” model. In this regard, they viewed the exchange as an opportunity for the technical and professional training of their human resources in the hotel industry. The conversation also touched on ecotourism and environmental preservation, where academic and technical exchange is vital for addressing common challenges facing the industry.
The visit’s itinerary included the Cuban delegation’s participation in the University of Fiji’s graduation ceremony, where they had the opportunity to meet with its Vice-Chancellor, Pandit Bhuwan Dutt. This meeting served to reaffirm the validity of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 between the University of Fiji and the University of Havana. The Ambassador took the opportunity to congratulate the new graduates, highlighting the host country’s growing educational excellence.
This tour reinforces Cuba’s commitment to strengthening ties with Fiji in the development of professional capacities that drive strategic sectors such as hospitality and culture.
(EmbacubaFiji)