(Friday, Aug.16,2019–Koror,Palau)- The 2nd Tri-annual Meeting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Micronesia Chapter was held on Aug.6-8 in Kosrae.
Dozens of members representing national and state tourism offices of Micronesia, representatives of travel trade and other businesses, elected officials, and private individuals gathered for the organization’s meeting.
The meeting opened on Aug.6, with a day of tours. Participants received a free boat tour around island. Additional available tours and activities included a tour of Lelu Ruins, the 14th century home of kings and village chiefs; Tafunsak Gorge Waterfall Tour; Utwe Biosphere Reserve; Teniwak Japanese tunnels; and green banana paper production .Hikes were also offered to Mt. Oma and Menke Ruins,an ancient temple dedicated to the breadfruit goddess. A welcoming reception that evening was hosted by Kosrae Governor’s Office.
Chapter committee meetings were held the following day at Kosrae Nautilus Resort .Education Committee Chairwoman Denise Mendiola reported on upcoming trainings for Customer Service, Food Handling/Safety and Training the Trainer within the region.
Cultural, Heritage & Environment Committee Chairwoman Rita Nauta reported on the integration of cultural, heritage and environment into upcoming training by the Education Committee; the Micronesian Milestones historical timeline in Guampedia.com; and development of a Micronesian brand emphasizing seafaring and storytelling.
Chapter member and historian Tony Ramirez also explained the importance of historic and cultural interpretation for tour guides. Marketing Committee Vice Chairman Luciano Abraham reported on upcoming international and regional events and the chapter’s social platforms and official website MicronesiaTour.com.
Membership Committee Chairwoman Lou Aguon-Schulte highlighted PATA members in the region in a special video presentation and discussed renewals, new signups online, and the chapter’s membership goals for this year.
On the following day, members got a chance to visit the world’s last Kaforest (YelaKa Forest), followed by the chapter General Membership meeting at the Tafunsak Marina Conference Room later that afternoon, where each of the national and state tourism offices reported on the status of visitor arrivals, upcoming events for tourists, upcoming marketing event, and other news. A farewell reception was hosted Kosrae Speaker’s Office, and optional tours continued on the final day.
“On behalf of the PATA Micronesia Chapter’s Executive Officers ,Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs and our Members, we would like to thank Governor Sigrah, Speaker Palik, Vice Speaker Joe, Bank of Guam Kosrae Branch Manager Brandon Cruz, Bank of FSM, FSM Development Bank, Kosrae Visitors Bureau, HPO Team, PATA Micronesia Chapter Members and Nautilus Resort for their warm hospitality during our second tri-annual PATA Micronesia Chapter meeting on the beautiful island of Kosrae, ”Stephanie Nakamura, PATA Micronesia Chairwoman said.
“This was a very productive meeting and our chapter members got to network with each other as well as welcoming new members to the Chapter. Kosrae has been described for it sun blemished garden of flowers, palms and citrus trees. It is still rich in historical sites and ruins, and we hope to go back soon…the perfect getaway,” She added.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association Micronesia chapter will hold its 3rd tri-annual meeting in the Republic of Palau on.Nov.30 to Dec.6,2019. PATA is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry.
The PATA Micronesia Chapter consists of more than 80 members from the Micronesia region directly in the tourism industry, including national and state tourism offices. In partnership with PATA’s private and public sector members, the organization enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from, and within the region.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Micronesia Chapter was appointed the marketing arm of the region during the 6th Micronesia Island Forum Communique in 2019. The Chapter meets three times a year throughout Micronesia to discuss to its efforts under the Chapter’s four committees: Marketing, Education, Membership and Cultural Heritage & Environment and promotes the destination on lineatwww.micronesiatour.com.
For more information on PATA, contact Chairwoman Stephanie Nakamura at sn@pristineparadisepalau.com or visitwww.patamicronesia.org. (PR)