Looking for balance between tourism growth and sustainability
By: L.N. Reklai
August 10, 2016 (Koror) Over 200 people from the tourism industry, public sector, state governments and the community, joined the 2016 Tourism Forum, held on August 9th, 2016 at Paradise Island Hotel.
Themed, “Unifying Industry, Community and Visitors, the forum sought to bring in all stakeholders in the tourism industry, to get their comments and recommendations on the way forward for Palau’s tourism sector. Looking to strike a balance between growing the tourism industry and ensuring long term sustainability, the forum looked for solutions from all stakeholders.
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The forum had presentations on the status of tourism today, Palau Branding Perspective and China Market Trends, Future of Tourism and the work on tourism policy framework, tourism development at state level and responsible tourism and finally, the Tourism Action Plan for 2016-17.
For each of the presentations, questions, comments and recommendations from the members of the audience were solicited as part of developing solutions and direction for tourism industry.
The active participation of various stakeholders ensured a successful event. Ambitious work on tourism policy development and action plans for this next year are addressed through a multi-tiered partnership that help bring all stakeholders from private and public sectors together for solutions.
The event was hosted by Bureau of Tourism of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism and Belau Tourism Association in partnership Palau Visitors Authority. [/restrict]