KOROR, PALAU — The Palau Visitors Authority (PVA), together with the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), proudly co-shared the Micronesia Pavilion at the PATA Travel Mart, held in Kuching, Malaysia, from August 17–21, 2026.
The joint presence formed part of the PATA Micronesia Chapter’s ongoing effort to strengthen awareness of Micronesia as a diverse and connected Pacific travel region, while showcasing the unique experiences offered by Palau, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Representing Palau at the event were Sharrise Ngiraked, Strategic Planning Manager, and Gianna Gerald, Customer Service Representative, who met with travel-trade buyers, tour operators, product managers, travel-agency owners, executives, and travel-industry representatives from across Asia and other international markets.
PVA conducted meetings with 55 registered travel buyers during the event. The buyer list reflected broad market interest from Southeast Asia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Korea, Japan-related travel businesses, and additional long-haul markets including Europe and North America. Participants included senior decision-makers from travel agencies, tour operators, destination-management companies, online travel businesses, corporate and MICE travel companies, and luxury-travel advisors.
A key outcome of PVA’s business meetings was the strong level of interest in Palau among buyers who had little or no previous knowledge of the destination. Many buyers were introduced to Palau’s world-renowned marine environment, diving and snorkeling opportunities, Rock Islands, cultural heritage, conservation leadership, and high-value nature-based visitor experiences for the first time.
The meetings provided an important opportunity to position Palau not only as a premier diving destination, but also as a distinctive island destination for adventure, wellness, luxury, cultural travel, small groups, incentive travel, and customized itineraries.
Travel buyers expressed enthusiasm about introducing Palau to their customers and exploring opportunities to develop future travel packages. To support future collaboration, PVA provided buyers with a directory of Palau tourism businesses, including accommodations, tour operators, and restaurants. This information will help buyers identify potential local partners and develop relationships with Palau’s private-sector tourism industry.
PVA will also assist interested buyers in connecting directly with Palau businesses to encourage collaboration, facilitate product development, and support the creation of travel packages that reflect Palau’s unique visitor experiences.
𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙨𝙞𝙖 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮
PVA’s participation at PATA Travel Mart was especially timely as Philippine Airlines now provides direct air service to Palau, creating a more accessible travel option for visitors connecting through the Philippines and the wider Southeast Asian region.
Improved air access presents an important opportunity for Palau to increase destination awareness and attract travelers from Southeast Asia. With its proximity to key regional hubs and growing interest in nature, marine adventure, island escapes, and meaningful travel experiences, Palau is well positioned to expand its presence in this market.
PVA will continue working with airline partners, travel-trade professionals, tourism businesses, and regional stakeholders to build awareness of Palau and support the development of market-ready tourism products for Southeast Asian travelers.
The Micronesia Pavilion highlighted the value of regional collaboration among Palau, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. By participating collectively under the PATA Micronesia Chapter, the three destinations were able to promote the wider Micronesia region while maintaining the distinct identity, experiences, and visitor appeal of each island destination.
The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to expanding international market reach, strengthening travel-trade relationships, and encouraging visitors to discover the natural beauty, living cultures, and diverse travel opportunities found throughout Micronesia.
PATA Travel Mart provided the Palau Visitors Authority with an important platform to introduce Palau to travel professionals seeking new and distinctive experiences for their clients. The strong interest received from buyers—particularly those who were previously unfamiliar with Palau—demonstrates meaningful potential for the destination in the Southeast Asian market. With improved connectivity and continued collaboration with regional partners, PVA remains committed to building stronger destination awareness and creating new tourism opportunities for Palau.
PVA extends its appreciation to the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Guam Visitors Bureau, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the PATA Micronesia Chapter, and all travel-trade buyers who met with the Palau delegation during PATA Travel Mart.
PVA met with 55 travel buyers representing a broad mix of tourism businesses and decision-makers. The group included:
Travel agency owners, managing directors, chief executive officers, presidents, general managers, and founders.
Product managers and product-development representatives able to introduce Palau into new holiday packages and destination portfolios.
Tour operators and destination-management companies interested in distinctive, customized, and experiential travel products.
Corporate, MICE, incentive, and business-travel representatives with potential for small-group and high-value travel opportunities.
Luxury-travel professionals, including Five Star Nomad Travel, whose clientele may align with Palau’s premium, nature-based, and personalized visitor experiences.
Digital and travel-technology companies, including TravClan Technology India Private Limited and DidaTravel Technology Singapore Pte Ltd, which may support broader distribution and visibility for Palau products.
Buyers from key regional and emerging markets, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, Korea, and additional international markets.
The buyer meetings created a strong foundation for post-event follow-up, including the sharing of destination information, direct introductions to Palau tourism businesses, support for future collaboration, potential familiarization opportunities, and the development of Palau-focused travel packages.
