HE was a giant of a man, and a giant among men.
Daniel Costello (Senior) was 76 when he died on the Gold Coast in Australia over the weekend.
In that lifetime, he churned out a legacy that will be hard to match by anyone in this era, one that has seen the pioneering spirit take hold, and prosper with the nurturing of an industry that has today become the mainstay of the Fiji economy.
For it was in tourism that Daniel Costello shone for this country.
He founded Beachcomber Island Resort, Beachcomber Cruises and Fiji Meats Limited, steering those companies as owner, and holding various titles of governing director, managing director, manager, depending on how hands-on he was in the business.
But as the titles proved, Mr Costello was nothing if not passionately and intimately involved in the growth of businesses he owned — and in the industry he loved.
He started out Beachcomber Island Resort at a time when tourism was in its infancy, with operators still working out the kinks in the tourism machine here.
He was a highly active member of the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, challenging governments, other operators and himself to push the limits many a time.
In the months leading up to his death, Mr Costello was made a life member of FIHTA — recognition, though much later in his life, of just how vast a contribution he made to the industry.
Today, the words of thanks on the Beachcomber Island Resort website — coming from all corners of the globe — stand as testimony to just how well he has managed to make the machine function — and thrive.
Indeed, his social skills, prowess on the island, and vision helped provide a role model for many a tourism industry executive today.
His booming infectious laugh seemed to personify the Fiji tourism spirit, welcoming visitors from near and far.
There is no doubt that the passing away of Mr Costello is a significant marker for the tourism industry.
For it signifies that the old guard, so to speak, which has pioneered the development of the industry in Fiji, is no longer here to steer the course.
It signifies that the next generation of people with a passion for tourism must step up, and indeed, try to better the achievements so far.
In this way, the spirit of people such as Mr Costello will be honoured.
In this way, the tourism industry will continue to hold this economy together and steer it steady — come what may.
There is no doubt that a giant of a man such as Mr Costello would have demanded nothing less.
