Previous Story
PATA CEO Mario Hardy visits Saipan
Pacific Asia Travel Association chief executive officer Mario Hardy paid a courtesy call on CNMI acting governor Victor B. Hocog on May 25, 2016, at the Office of the Governor. Pictured from left are Marianas Visitors Authority deputy managing director Judy Torres, Hocog, Hardy, PATA International Executive board member and PATA Micronesia Chapter chairwoman Pilar Laguna, and MVA acting chairman James Nelson.
(Contributed Photo)
Mario Hardy, chief executive officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, visited Saipan last May 23 following PATA’s Annual Summit in Guam.
Hardy paid a courtesy call on acting governor Victor B. Hocog and toured the island accompanied by PATA International Executive Board Member and PATA Micronesia Chapter chairwoman Pilar Laguna and PATA Micronesia treasurer and Marianas Visitors Authority deputy managing director Judy Torres.
Founded in 1951, PATA is a “not-for profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region,” according to the organization’s website. The association provides “aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organizations, comprising 97 government, state and city tourism bodies, 27 international airlines, airports and cruise lines, 63 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond.”
PATA Micronesia chapter is comprised of state and national tourism boards of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Palau, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Marshall Islands, and Kosrae, as well a numerous tourism-related businesses such as hotels, tour operators, retail outlets, private individuals, and more.
“The MVA’s membership in PATA Micronesia is valuable in that it provides a forum for the island nations to network and work together toward common goals, whether it be improving service through training and education or jointly marketing the region,” said Torres. “In addition, it put a wealth of information and resources at our fingertips available through the PATA organization.”
Companies or individuals interested in joining PATA Micronesia or learning more about the chapter can visit www.micronesiatour.com.The chapter meets tri-annually throughout Micronesia. (PR)
