The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has announced the recruitment of Charlie Panakera as its new Director for Tourism and Hospitality.
Mr. Panakera who hails from Ranoggah, Western Province is the founder of the Tourism Department at Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, New Zealand.
His expertise is drawn from experiences as a Pacific Island academic having worked for nearly 30 years in New Zealand and Australian Universities, former political leader, a Banker, and a successful entrepreneur having owned and operate hotels, resorts, dive shops and tour businesses.
Mr. Panakera’s consultation work, research activities and publications falls into two main clusters. The first focuses on tourism and hospitality education, trainings and development issues in the Pacific Islands (including the Pacific Peoples in New Zealand).
The second includes advisory-consultation work for Pacific Islands Governments, including the World Bank (International Finance Corporation), as well as collaborative work with UNDP, AusAid and NZAid.
He is known and trusted by the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in the Country, Tourism Tertiary Education Institute overseas and by the Government because of his contribution in the Industry since 1977.
Mr. Panakera holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Massey University, New Zealand. He assumed duty as the Director of Tourism and Hospitality on 27th June.
