MVA builds int’l relations at PATA meeting in Thailand

The Marianas Visitors Authority, a member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association International, recently sent marketing manager Wayne Pangelinan to attend PATA’s 55th Annual Conference in Pattaya, Thailand to build international relations that will expose the CNMI as an attractive destination to the rest of the world.

The conference is a landmark for delegates from all over the world to meet and build a network surrounding the commonality of being a PATA International member and sharing invested interest in tourism.

“Network building is important for our industry. It is a fervent and unequivocal belief that network building is an integral part to developing our industry to be competitive and recognized in the global market,” said Pangelinan.

The 55th PATA Annual Conference not only invites delegates from around the world, but provides topics of discussion affecting tourism growth in the Asia and Pacific region.

“Despite the MVA’s limited funds, the PATA Annual Conference is an event worth participating. It is where opportunities are built for the CNMI that can be capitalized on,” said MVA acting managing director Tess Castro.

“This is a perfect setting where delegates from around the world get together and share ideas and comments in the largest and fastest growing industry,” said Pangelinan.

The conference organizers invite speakers and specialized individuals who hold specific positions in the industry to share their ideas, concepts, challenges, and successes, on how their industry was developed based on forecasting trends of travelers and their needs.

The 55th PATA Annual Conference officially opened its doors on April 23 with a welcome ceremony for the delegates, speakers, and visitors alike.

Prior to the opening of the conference, the PATA board of directors meeting took place. The PATA “Young Tourism Professional” members also met to discuss opportunities at hand. The CNMI is represented in this growing group of professionals by two members: Pangelinan and Glenda C. Santos. Both are with the MVA.

“Serving as a member of PATA’s YTP is an honor and privilege as it opens up opportunities for the industry to accept new tourism professionals that will lead the industry in the future,” said Pangelinan.

PATA International continues to set the standards in developing the Asia Pacific travel market. (PR)