The managing director and CEO of Fiji Airways, Stefan Pichler, is the new Chair of Tourism Fiji.

Pichler, who took over as head of Fiji Airways in September 2013, says he was honoured to assume the position.

His appointment will be for a term of three years.

Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Pichler brings in a lot of experience with him as he has held senior positions in the tourism industries of Germany and Australia.

Sayed-Khaiyum says with his strong commercial background Pichler will take Tourism Fiji to greater heights.

Pichler says he intends to begin work immediately and is encouraging all the stakeholders in the industry to step up efforts.