TOKYO, JAPAN – August 28, 2025
The Palau Visitors Authority (PVA), in partnership with United Airlines, successfully hosted a tourism seminar in Tokyo on August 20, drawing 95 Japanese travel agents and media professionals. The event served to reintroduce Palau as a premier travel destination and officially announce the highly anticipated return of direct flights from Tokyo, scheduled to begin on October 29.
The full-day seminar, the culmination of several months of collaborative preparation, featured a series of presentations from a distinguished lineup of speakers. Presenters included PVA representative Chloe Ysikl Yano alongside JICA Expert Mika Onodera; United Airlines' Saito Nozomi; Hideyuki Shiozawa from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation; Demei Elechuus of Melekeok State's Community-Based Tour; Velma Obak from Airai State's Community-Based Tour; and Professor Mita of Kyoto Sangyo University. Ten different Palau suppliers had the opportunity to showcase their services, introduce their companies, and network with attendees. The venue was decorated with elements highlighting Palau's natural beauty, providing attendees with an immersive cultural experience.
The seminar's primary objective was to educate a new wave of travel professionals about Palau’s unique appeal in the post-pandemic travel landscape. The new direct flight service is a significant development, as it will provide a convenient and efficient travel option for Japanese tourists, making Palau more accessible than ever before.
Tokyo (NRT) – Koror (ROR) Service, Effective October 30
Flight No. Depart Time Arrival Time Frequency
UA142 Koror (ROR) 11:25 a.m. Tokyo (NRT) 4:00 p.m. Thu/Sun
UA143 Tokyo (NRT) 5:55 p.m. Koror (ROR) 10:50 p.m. Wed/Sat
The Koror flight to Tokyo Narita will depart at 11:25 a.m. and arrive in Tokyo at 4:00 p.m. local time. Return flights from Tokyo Narita will depart at 5:55 p.m. and arrive In Koror at 10:50 p.m. United will operate the flights with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offering 166 seats, 16 of which are in business class.
"We extend our sincere gratitude to President Surangel Whipps, Jr., whose thorough negotiations and discussions have brought back a direct connection to what was once our top and highly-valued tourism market," said PVA Chairman Jackson Doktok.
PVA Managing Director Kadoi Ruluked added, "We have been working closely with Palau suppliers and United Airlines to tirelessly promote our pristine islands to Japanese travelers. This route also opens up more options for travelers flying in from the United States and other countries, further enhancing our global accessibility."
