MVA to host Pata Micronesia meeting

The 4th Quarter Meeting of the PATA Micronesia Chapter will be held on June 23-24, 2006 on the island of Rota, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority.

The PATA Micronesia Chapter consists of members from the Micronesia region directly in the tourism industry. These members include Continental Airlines, MVA, Guam Visitors Bureau, Palau Visitors Authority, Pohnpei Visitors Bureau, Yap Visitors Bureau, Chuuk Visitors Bureau, Marshall Islands Visitors Authority, and Pacific Daily News.

The PATA Micronesia Chapter conducts regular meetings throughout the region.

“We are very excited to report that the 4th quarter meeting will be held in the Northern Marianas. Once we knew the meeting would be held in the CNMI, MVA selected Rota to host the delegates for this meeting,” said Tess Castro, MVA acting managing director. “We are very pleased that the Chapter selected the Northern Marianas to end their year. It has been two years since the last meeting was held in the Marianas. We look forward to a productive meeting with the delegates as we continue to facilitate our goals of marketing as a region.”

In addition to the Chapter meeting, the Chapter will be conducting an industry training workshop entitled “Risk and Crisis Management in Tourism” on the afternoon of June 24 and concluding on the morning of June 25, 2006. The workshop will be conducted at the Rota Resort & Country Club.

The training provides practical information on how individuals and business and government leaders can prepare the tourism industry in the region for any disaster, according to the lessons learned by PATA International from events over the past four years in Asia.

Executive Peter Semone had a goal of having as many chapters and members, as well government and business associates learn advance planning and preparations.

PATA Micronesia Chapter Chairman Dr. John Salas will be conducting this workshop. Dr. Salas is an Associate Professor of International Tourism at the University of Guam and is a PATA International Certified Risk & Crisis Management Trainer.

There is a $150 fee for the workshop. If a PATA member sponsors a participant, there is a reduced fee of $100 per person. If interested, contact Marilou Dimalanta, Chapter Secretariat at (671) 687-1554 or email marilou@teleguam.net

PATA International also recognized the Micronesia Chapter with the 2004 Award of Excellence for the chapter’s commitment to conducting quarterly meetings, monthly teleconferences, and a full program of activities, despite the geographic limitations.

For more information regarding the PATA Micronesia Chapter meeting, contact Glenda Calvo Santos at (670) 664-3215 or email gcalvo@mymarianas.com. (PR)