On March 29-31, the PATA Micronesia Chapter 1st Tri-Annual Meeting 2017 took place in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), where Roi Ariel, GSTC General Manager, was invited as a guest speaker.
Participants of the Meeting included representatives from Guam Visitors Bureau, Palau Visitors Authority, FSM Visitors Board, Marianas Visitors Authority, Pohnpei Tourism Office, Yap Visitors Bureau, Chuuk Visitors Bureau, Kosrae Tourism Office, and Marshall Island Tourism Office; as well as private sector active in Micronesia and the Pacific.
«The GSTC Criteria is suitable for all types of countries, whether it is a large country like Korea and Norway, or a small island state like Seychelles and the islands in Micronesia,» said Roi Ariel while introducing the GSTC and its Criteria to the PATA Micronesia Chapter members.
«The first step is to download for free the GSTC Criteria and u se it as a guideline in shifting to sustainable practices in the tourism industry. Whether it is from the public sector perspective or from the private sector perspective, following the four pillars of the Criteria (Sustainable Management, Socio-economic Benefits, Cultural Heritage, Environment) makes perfect sense in becoming sustainable.»
PATA Micronesia Chapter Chairwoman, Ms. Pilar Laguana, mentioned that it was a good timing to introduce the GSTC Criteria was the Chapter recently formed a new working committee called the Cultural, Heritage and Environment Committee, to address these issues in Micronesia.
PATA has been a partner of GSTC and endorses the work of GSTC: «PATA joins the GSTC in recommending to all its members that they seek out GSTC-Recognized certification and rating schemes.»
About PATA Micronesia Chapter
The Micronesian chapter of PATA was established 1986 as a result of increasing tourism interests in the region.
Today, PATA Micronesia has over 70 members from both the public and private sectors. The organization provides a unique networking and partnership opportunity among travel industry representatives in our region.
The PATA Micronesia Chapter is a 2-time, internationally recognized, award-winning organization. In 2010, the chapter was recognized and presented the «Award of Excellence» by PATA for its use of social media and creative marketing to promote the region’s brand. This was the second time the chapter was honored with this award. The first time this award was presented to the chapter was in 2004 for their commitment to conducting quarterly meetings, monthly teleconferences, and a full program of activities despite geographic limitations.
