Guam | December 8–12, 2025 — The Palau delegation participated in the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Micronesia Chapter Tri-Annual Meeting held in Guam, joining regional leaders, airline partners, tourism organizations, and media to advance a unified vision for Micronesian tourism under the “One Micronesia / Our Micronesia” collaboration framework.
The Palau delegation was led by Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism & Development and Ex-Officio PVA Board Member Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, alongside Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) Managing Director Kadoi Ruluked, PVA Strategic Planning Manager Sharrise Ngiraked, and PVA Marketing Representative Kiruu Kanai. Minister Tmetuchl set the tone at the Welcome Dinner by initiating a discussion on how Micronesia can collaborate and cross-promote each island’s unique assets while leveraging existing infrastructure., “As Minister of Tourism in Palau what I’ve realized is that we are working silos…One thing that we haven’t really done as an organization, is really look at the assets that we have, the connectivities, we should look at the low hanging fruit first, we have existing flight, we have existing products but we are not working together..”
Day One centered on strategic discussions and presentations, including a comprehensive briefing by United Airlines highlighting current and future air connectivity across Micronesia, supported by a regional flight schedule and air connectivity map. Delegates engaged in open dialogue on the One Micronesia Collaboration, aligning on shared priorities such as synchronized events calendars, sample itineraries, business and industry partner listings, and arrival statistics across island destinations. In closing of the first half of the day Managing Director Kadoi Ruluked of Palau Visitors Authority stated, “Through PATA Micronesia, our islands are united in partnership to market the region to the world, while ensuring each destination delivers its own authentic cultural experiences rooted in community and tradition.”
A key outcome was consensus on strengthening regional coordination through a PATA-supported Secretariat, with clear phased milestones:
● Phase 1: Agreement to establish a Secretariat position under the chairmanship of a National Tourism Organization (NTO).
● Phase 2: By end of January, update and centralize destination information for each island and link content to the PATA website ahead of the Micronesia Islands Forum (MIF).
● Phase 3: Develop clear regional guidelines to merge and connect tourism initiatives for presentation by the PATA Chair at MIF.
● Phase 4: Advance these proposals to donor partners at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
Delegates also proposed PATA’s application to serve as an Observer and Member of the Pacific Tourism Organization (PTO), further reinforcing Micronesia’s voice on the global stage. NTO presentations and committee reports rounded out the day.
Day Two featured opening and welcoming remarks in a theatre setting by the Government of Guam, including Honorable Lou Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam, Honorable Frank Blas Speaker, 38th Guam Legislature, Honorable Jesse A. Lujan Senator, 38th Guam Legislature, Ms. Regine Biscoe-Lee President, Guam Visitor Bureau. Dr. John Peterson presented his findings on Micronesia Stone Heritage: Tangible Icons for Intangible Culture, followed by the screening of “Islands Re-Open,” spotlighting the region’s tourism recovery and resilience. Islands Reopened
On Thursday (Day Four), delegates participated in a networking luncheon with Ms. Paula Monk and team from United Airlines Guam and Rita Pangelinan Nauta of GuamPedia.com, focused on unlocking regional growth opportunities through improved connectivity and cooperative marketing. The Culture & Heritage Committee Meeting advanced the One Micronesia/Our Micronesia narrative, including itinerary development and a Pacific Market media familiarization strategy.
The meeting concluded on Friday (Day Five) with an inspiring discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Manny Crisostomo, underscoring the power of authentic storytelling and visual media to elevate Micronesia’s global brand. Palau’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to regional collaboration, sustainable tourism development, and shared storytelling that positions Micronesia as a connected, culturally rich, and accessible destination. Outcomes from the meeting will inform continued coordination ahead of MIF and engagement with donor partners at PIF, ensuring that the One Micronesia vision translates into tangible growth for all island destinations.
