Pacific Islands in Spotlight at PROFIT '06

More than 200 delegates have registered for PROFIT in the Pacific 2006, including prospective project partners from Europe, USA, Asia and the Pacific.

They are drawn to Vanuatu for the November 29-December 1 event to conduct a series of one-on-one meetings with 37 carefully screened development project proposals.

The projects are now all listed on the PROFIT Web site at www.profitpacific.com. An electronic delegate roster and project information e-guide will be linked to the PROFIT Web site and also distributed at the event.

PROFIT ’06, organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), will be officially opened in Port Vila, Vanuatu by the host destination’s Prime Minister, the Hon Mr Ham Lini.

Mr Greg Urwin, Secretary General of the region’s premier political and economic policy organisation, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, has confirmed he will deliver a presentation during the conference programme.

The conference will address significant tourism issues and trends in the Pacific Islands region.

PRO€INVEST, a European Union ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) initiative under the European Commission’s Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE), entrusted PATA to be Lead Organisation for PROFIT in the Pacific 2006.

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.

Pacific-based CDE Consultant Mr Dain Simpson is assisting prospective project participants prepare for PROFIT.

"There will be quality investment opportunities unveiled at PROFIT," he said.

Before receiving invitations to attend PROFIT ’06, all project proposals had to demonstrate a history of activity, a financial track record, a viable business plan, as well as the support of their National Tourism Organisation (NTO).

"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," he added.

PROFIT ‘06’s one-on-one meeting sessions will link travel industry investors and partners from the EU and other parts of the world to Pacific Island tourism entrepreneurs.

The event also provides Pacific Island governments the opportunity to promote infrastructure projects related to tourism development in their nation.

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