PATA Micronesia meets in the Marshall Islands

Pacific Asia Travel Association Micronesia chapter holds of their tri-annual meeting at Eneko Island in Majuro, Marshall Islands on AprIL 3, 2019. (Contributed Photo)

KOROR, Palau—The 1st Tri-annual Meeting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association-Micronesia Chapter was held on April 2-4, 2019, in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, marking the beginning of the chapter’s 33rd year.

Dozens of members representing national and state tourism offices of Micronesia, representatives of travel trade and other businesses, elected officials, and private individuals attended the meeting, held in Majuro atoll and Eneko Island.

“What an incredible week we had in Majuro,” said PATA Micronesia chair Stephanie Nakamura.

With over 80 attendees, Nakamura said this was one of the Chapter’s largest meetings.

She encouraged other PATA Micronesia Chapter members to join the association’s next meeting in July or August of this year.

She acknowledged the assistance of Air Nauru, a new member of PATA Micronesia, for hosting receptions for the attendees, “welcoming us with their warm hospitality and making our stay a memorable one.”

Committee meetings were held at the Marshall Islands Resort in Majuro atoll on the first day of meeting.

Education Committee chair Denise Mendiola reported on training conducted throughout the region in 2018, including hospitality industry customer service and CPR, first aid, and automated external defibrillator training.

The chapter is accepting training requests for 2019, which will be held in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, United Airlines, and respective island territory tourism offices and other partners.

Marketing Committee chair Laurie DeBrum reported on upcoming events where the islands will be collectively marketed as a Micronesian region, including PATA Travel Mart, Asia Dive Expo 2019, Divers Equipment Marketing Association 2019, Scuba Show 2019, and others.

Cultural, Heritage & Environment chair Rita Nauta emphasized the shared heritage of celestial navigation throughout the region.

Membership Committee chair Lou Aguon-Schulte highlighted the convenience of the new online membership application and payment.

The PATA Micronesia general membership meeting was held on April 3 on the neighboring island of Eneko, where bungalows, a cookhouse, and white sand beaches welcome visitors.

Each of the national and state tourism officers reported on the status of visitor arrivals, upcoming events for tourists, upcoming marketing event, and other news.

On the final day, participants had the option to visit Mili Atoll, where some theorize that aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan may have landed in 1937.

PATA is a membership association of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry.

The Micronesia Chapter consists of members from the Micronesia region in the tourism industry, including national and state tourism offices. (PR)