Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Chairman of PATA-Micronesia Chapter visits Beijing to Promote Tourism

Beijing, China (FSM Embassy): April 28, 2011 - Mr. Grant Ismael, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association-Micronesia Chapter (PATA), who is also the Administrator of the Kosrae Visitor's Bureau arrived Beijing, China on April 6 to represent the Micronesia chapter at the 60th Anniversary conference scheduled to be held at the China World Hotel from 8-12 April 2011. The Conference is expected to tackle issues concerning the future development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region - the world's fastest growing market.

Taking advantage of the visit to China by the Chairman of the PATA-Micronesia Chapter, the FSM Embassy arranged a meeting with the representatives of the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Office (PIFTO) in Beijing to discuss possible cooperation and partnership in the area of tourism. PIFTO is a subsidiary of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat whose mission in Beijing is to promote trade and business opportunities between Pacific island countries and China.

His Excellency Ambassador Akillino H. Susaia and Chairman Ismael received and met with Mr. Sam Savou and his staff Ms. Vivienne Song, Tourism Development Officer of PIFTO. The meeting with the PIFTO officials resulted in the interest to cooperate and organize a familiarization tour (FAM tour) to the FSM.

The tour would bring in travel wholesalers, media, and other respective travel agents and tour operators from China to experience firsthand what the FSM has to offer. Chairman Ismael, Ambassador Susaia, and Mr. Savou all agreed to the positive promotion that the FAM tour will bring to the FSM and all have agreed to work together to support the FAM tour proposal. The first tour is being planned and hoped to be carried out by June 2011 to visit Kosrae.

Staffing Ambassador Susaia in the meeting with PIFTO were Deputy Chief of Mission Carl D. Apis, and First Secretary Vincent Sivas.

For further information, contact the FSM Embassy in Beijing at Ph: (86)1065324708 or e-mail address: embassy@fsmembassy.cn.