The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) says preparations for PROFIT in the Pacific 2006 are gaining momentum. The business-to-business (B2B) applicant screening process is underway and key speakers and…
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) says preparations for PROFIT in the Pacific 2006 are gaining momentum. The business-to-business (B2B) applicant screening process is underway and key speakers and panellists are filling the conference programme slots.
PRO-INVEST, a European Union ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) initiative under the European Commission`s Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE), has entrusted PATA to be Lead Organisation for PROFIT in the Pacific 2006. The event will take place November 29-December 1 in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
PROFIT `06`s B2B meeting sessions will link travel industry investors from the EU and other parts of the world to Pacific Island tourism entrepreneurs. The B2B sessions also provide governments the opportunity to promote infrastructure projects relevant to tourism development in their nation.
A concurrent conference programme addresses significant regional tourism issues and trends. Mr Greg Urwin, Secretary General of the region?s premier political and economic policy organisation, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, has confirmed his participation in PROFIT `06.
Sydney-based PATA Regional Director-Pacific Mr Chris Flynn said attendees will note several changes at this year`s PROFIT event. A stringent pre-qualification process for both project developers and prospective investors and partners is in place this year, he said.
Project proposals will be pre-qualified before receiving an invitation to attend PROFIT ?06. Each project must demonstrate a history of activity, financial track record and viable business plan. Projects must also have the support of their respective National Tourism Organisations (NTOs). Once approved, projects are listed on the PROFIT Web site profitpacific.
Pacific-based CDE Consultant Mr Dain Simpson is assisting prospective project participants prepare for PROFIT. There are already a number of quality investment opportunities beginning to emerge, he said.
PROFIT is a stepping stone in the process of building and developing economic sustainability through tourism, said Mr Flynn. It is not a total solution, but we believe that an ongoing annual event such as PROFIT will help the industry increase in stature as it matures.
PATA expects around 40 potential project proposals and a similar number of prospective partners to attend PROFIT `06.
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