PATA Micronesia Chairman Presents Prestigious Award of Excellence at Tri-Annual Meeting
Members of the Micronesia Chapter of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) were presented the prestigious “Award of Excellence” from PATA International at their tri-annual meeting in Saipan on June 14-16, 2010.
Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) joined representatives from the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) for a presentation of the award by PATA Micronesia Chairman Darin De Leon.
The meeting marked the first time De Leon, who accepted the award on behalf of the chapter in April at the PATA International annual gala in Kuching, Sarawak, was able to share the honor with members.
“It was a privilege for our chapter to be recognized with this award, and for the chairman to share it with everyone for the first time at our tri-annual meeting,” said GVB Marketing Manager . “Each island played an integral role in the use of social media and creative marketing through initiatives including e-guides for each destination and the Magnificent Micronesia website that led to the award. It was fitting that everyone was there when we received it.”
In other business at the meeting, members discussed the launch of a Micronesia branding initiative expected to begin in 2010, regional promotions and programs including a PATA membership drive, and the organization’s upcoming elections.
PATA Micronesia is one of more than 39 chapters internationally of travel and hospitality management companies. The organization was formed in 1983 after many years operating as the Micronesian Regional Tourism Council. Members throughout Micronesia meet tri-annually to share marketing strategies in promoting the Micronesia region as a destination for visitors worldwide.
PATA is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with private and public sector members, PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.
Since its formative years as the Guam Tourism Commission under the auspices of the Department of Commerce, GVB has been an active PATA member. In 2008, GVB General Manager Gerald S.A. Perez was elected to the 11-member PATA Board Executive Committee.
