PATA Annual Summit 2016 to be held in Tumon, Guam

TUMON, GUAM – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to be organising the PATA Annual Summit 2016 at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort in Tumon, Guam in May. The Summit, generously hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau, will include a one-day conference, the PATA Youth Symposium, the PATA Executive Board and Committee meetings, and Annual General Meeting 2016.
 

Governor of Guam Eddie Baza Calvo and PATA CEO Mario Hardy announced the Summit during press conference at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor’s Complex in Adelup, Guam.
 

Governor Calvo welcomed PATA representatives and shared the importance of holding the summit on Guam.
 

“We’re glad we’re able to support the Pacific Asia Travel Association and its anniversary celebration. This event will precede the Festival of Pacific Arts, which will be held in May 2016. It will be another opportunity for Guam to demonstrate its ability to host international, multi-level conferences,” said Governor Eddie Baza Calvo. “As the gateway between Asia and America, Guam’s geographic location, its perfect blend of Pacific islander, Asian and American community, and it’s beautiful beaches all come together to provide a unique experience.”
 

PATA CEO Mario Hardy, along with staff from PATA Headquarters, are currently in Guam to endorse the the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts (FestPac) to be held in Guam fro May 22 – June 4, 2016. The Festival of the Pacific Arts is held every four years since 1972, and brings together artists and cultural practitioners from around the Pacific region for two weeks of festivity.
 

At the press conference, Mr. Hardy added, “Founded in 1951, PATA will be holding its 65th Anniversary next year and with Guam as one of its founding members, I am delighted that we have the opportunity to host the event in this island paradise. We have plans to add more value to this event for our delegates and we are excited to be working with the wonderful people at the Guam Visitors Bureau, who I know will help deliver a truly successful event.”
 

Guam is “Where America’s Day Begins.” As the largest and southernmost island in the Marianas, this unincorporated territory of the United States has a rich 4,000-year-old history and culture based on its indigenous Chamorro people. Guam is about 8 miles wide and 32 miles long, and is located 900 miles north of the equator in the Western Pacific. Commonly referred to as “America in Asia”, Guam is a 3 to 5 hour flight from the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong SAR, and Australia. Its capital city is Hagatna (formerly Agana).
 

With pristine beaches, friendly people and wholesome island hospitality, this unique world-class destination has tropical weather conditions year-round. Guam also has a plethora of activities to keep visitors from all over the world entertained since tourism is its top economic driver. From snorkeling, scuba diving, skydiving, golfing, hiking, luxury shopping, international and local cuisine dining, and key cultural and signature events, there is much to do and see on Guam.
 

Dusit Thani Guam Resort, the island’s newest and only 5-star luxury hotel, is home to Guam’s first convention center.

 

Photo caption (left to right): Paul Pruangkarn, Manager – Communications, PATA; Chris Flynn, Director – Pacific, PATA; Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA; Eddie Baza Calvo; Governor of Guam; Tina Rose Muna Barnes, Legislative Secretary and Chairwoman of Committee on Municipal Affairs, Tourism, Housing and Historic Preservation, Guam Legislature; Mark Baldyga, Chairman of the Board of Directors, GVB; Jon Nathan Denight, General Manager, GVB; and Pilar Laguana, Marketing Manager, GVB, and Chairperson, PATA Micronesia Chapter.