Nā poʻomanaʻo o ka honua e poʻo i ka PATA Makahiki Summit ma Guam

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Summit 2016 (PAS 2016) has locked in an impressive roster of dynamic international guest speakers and panelists, including the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Seychelles, the Honorable Alain St.Ange, who is slated to deliver the keynote address at the main conference on May 19, 2016.

Hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau, with sponsors Dusit Thani Guam Resort and United Airlines, PAS 2016 will take place from May 18-21 at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort in Tumon.

Under the theme ‘Exploring the Secrets of the Blue Continent,’ PAS 2016 will bring together 350-400 international thought leaders, industry shapers, and senior decision makers who are professionally engaged with the Asia Pacific region to examine what is required to take Pacific Island travel trade to the next level of sustainable tourism.


The four-day Summit serves as the Association’s executive and advisory board meetings and annual general meeting. PAS 2016 will include a one-day international conference that addresses travel and tourism industry trends and topics. Additionally, the half-day PATA Youth Symposium is open to students and young professionals who wish to engage discussion with industry professionals on various topics relevant to the region.

This year, in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization, PATA will also hold a half-day Pacific Islands Ministerial Debate on Pacific Island Tourism. Conference delegates will receive complimentary access to this high-level, invitation-only discussion.

Other confirmed speakers include Andrew Dixon, Owner, Nikoi and Cempedak Islands; Daniel Levine, Director, The Avant-Guide Institute; Derek Toh, Founder and CEO, WOBB; Eric Ricaurte, Founder and CEO, Greenview; Mark Schwab, CEO, Star Alliance; Michael Lujan Bevacqua, author and lecturer at the University of Guam; Morris Sim, CEO and Co-Founder, Circos Brand Karma; Sarah Mathews, Head of Destination Marketing APAC, TripAdvisor; and Zoltán Somogyi, Executive Director for Programme and Coordination, World Tourism Organization.

“We are excited to help assemble this impressive lineup of guest speakers for the PATA Annual Summit,” said GVB General Manager Nathan Denight. “The different array of topics will no doubt move the global tourism industry forward with thought-provoking and innovative ideas. We certainly are working hard to ensure our delegates and guests have a unique experience in our island paradise and we also invite anyone still interested in the summit to join us, including our young people that may want to participate in the PATA Youth Symposium.”

To complement the Summit, GVB and the PATA Micronesia Chapter have organized a variety of itineraries to give delegates an opportunity to experience the essence of Guam and the Micronesia region. Delegates are offered extensive touring options to explore Guam’s many attractions, each highlighting the island’s diverse range of cultural, historical and recreational offerings.

To learn more, or to register for the PATA Annual Summit, visit www.pata.org/portfolio/pas-2016/. For inquires on travel packages to Micronesia, contact Mystical Tours & Adventures directly at [pale ʻia ka leka uila] or visit their website at mysticaltaguam.com.

E pili ana iā PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association has gained international acclaim for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. PATA 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.