Events

PATA is pleased to be organising the PATA Annual Summit 2016 at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort in Guam, USA in May 2016. PATA Annual Summit attracts 200-400 delegates from 30+ countries, bringing together international thought leaders, industry shapers, and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged with the Asia Pacific region. The Summit serves both as the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and as a global tourism forum for enhancing the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.

Generously hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau, the Annual Summit 2016 is a 4-day programme consisting of the association’s executive and advisory board meetings, annual general meeting, and the PATA Youth Symposium; and a one-day conference that addresses major issues relevant to the travel and tourism industry. This year, PATA in partnership with the UNWTO will be holding a half-day PATA/UNWTO Ministerial Debate on Pacific Island Tourism. Those registered for the conference will receive complimentary access to this high-level meeting.

The PATA Youth Symposium is a half-day forum offered to students and young professionals to engage with industry professionals during plenary talks and roundtable discussions on various topics relevant to the destination.

Delegates are offered extensive pre or post touring options to visit the surrounding attractions, highlighting the various offerings of the destination. The tours often range from 1-3 days, and include accommodation, touring, transportation and meals.

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

In 2016, Guam will host the Festival of the Pacific Arts (FestPac), a region-wide festival celebrating the various arts and cultures of the Pacific. Also known as the “Olympics of Pacific Arts”, FestPac is held every four years since 1972, and brings together artists and cultural practitioners from around the Pacific region for two weeks of festivity.

Aimed to combat the erosion of traditional customary practices, it is recognized as a major regional cultural event, and is the largest gathering in which Pacific peoples unite to enhance their respect and appreciation of one another.

As the host of FestPac 2016, Guam will be receiving 27 nations coming to the island to celebrate in the two-week event, with more than 2700 participants and over 10,000 tourists expected.