PATA to manage PROFIT in the Pacific 2006

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is to organise and manage PROFIT in the Pacific 2006 in Vanuatu. PROFIT in the Pacific 2006 has received the support of ProInvest-CDE, a programme of the European Union that promotes investment in the Pacific.

To take place at the Le Lagon Resort, Pt. Vila, 29 November to 1December, PROFIT in the Pacific 2006 will feature one-to-one meetings between tourism operators and those interested in exploring opportunities in the Pacific. The event will also feature a conference programme addressing the most significant issues affecting tourism growth in the Pacific, including co-operation, branding, sustainability, access and competitiveness.

PATA is the lead organiser in a partnership that includes the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, the Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations (FITYO), the Fiji Visitors Bureau, the Kiribati Visitors Bureau, the Palau Visitors Authority, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, and the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX).

The event is also supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

PATA Vice President-Development Mr Peter Semone said, "The encouragement and support we received from PATA members in the Pacific helped us put together a strong submission for ProInvest’s consideration. We expect that PROFIT will develop into the most important annual event for tourism in the Pacific."

ProInvest-CDE Sector Coordinator Mr Sid Boubekeur said, "PROFIT in the Pacific 2006 is a key business-to-business meeting for players in the tourism sector. For three days it will bring together project promoters from the Pacific and potential partners from Europe and the region. Investment agencies, development banks and authorities will take part to ensure the participants get maximum results. High-level experts will also be involved, either as keynote speakers or as participants in workshops."

PROFIT in the Pacific is modelled on tourism partnership meetings in the Caribbean, which have been organised by the Caribbean Hotel Association with ProInvest funding over several years.

PROFIT stands for "Partnership, Roles and Opportunities For Investment in Tourism." 

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