The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), at the request of the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and the Micronesia Cruise Association (MCA), has assembled a PATA Task Force to recommend a public policy case and financially viable business model for the homeporting of a cruise line serving Guam and the neighbouring islands of Micronesia.

The recommendations from the Task Force report, scheduled for publication in advance of the PATA Annual Summit 2016 in Guam, USA from May 18-21, will be used as a foundation to market the homeporting concept as a regional opportunity for cruise lines and operators seeking authentic and unexplored destinations. The final report will outline a recommended business model reflecting the costs and economic details pertinent to cruise lines, consumers and key stakeholders.

PATA CEO Mario Hardy stated, “A cruise line serving Micronesia with a homeport in Guam could capitalise upon the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and various arts of the region as well as helping visitors to explore this less travelled region. The request of a PATA Task Force is a unique benefit for NTO PATA members and I am pleased that a government entity such as the Guam Visitors Bureau has taken this opportunity to reach out to us.”

The PATA Task Force is chaired by Twenty31 Consulting Inc., a destination development firm that harnesses the power of strategy, communications, research and technology to create a unique competitive position and a blueprint for the future for global leaders of organisations that span the tourism eco-system.

The Task Force members include Twenty31 Consulting senior partners Greg Klassen and Oliver Martin with the support of independent travel and tourism industry experts Kevin Leong, an Associate Director with MasterConsult Services Pte. Ltd, Jillian Dickens, Director of Bannikin Travel & Tourism Ltd, and Paul Vallee, an Executive Consultant with GainingEdge.

Picture: L/R: Pilar Laguaña, Marketing Manager, Guam Visitors Bureau and Chairwoman, PATA Micronesia Chapter; Nathan Denight, General Manager, Guam Visitors Bureau; Shelly Calvo, Member of the Board of Directors, Guam Visitors Bureau; Oliver Martin, Partner, Twenty31 Consulting and PATA Task Force member; Greg Klassen, Partner, Twenty31 Consulting and PATA Task Force member; Eddie Baza Calvo, Governor, Guam; Kevin Leong, Associate Director, MasterConsult Services and PATA Task Force member; Paul Vallee, Executive Consultant, GainingEdge and PATA Task Force member, and Telo Taitague, Deputy General Manager, Guam Visitors Bureau. 

“Developing the cruise industry is a vital component of our Tourism 2020 strategic plan,” said GVB General Manager Nathan Denight. “We’re excited to unveil the recommendations of the report at the PATA Annual Summit during the series of PATA internal meetings. This is a great example of how being a PATA member is beneficial to help propel Guam and Micronesia forward as an emerging cruise destination. We thank PATA and the PATA Task Force team for meeting with us.”

“A homeport sustainable cruise strategy would not only grow Guam’s share of this fast growing segment of the tourism industry but would also introduce discerning travellers to the exceptional, unique and authentic destinations of the Blue Continent,” said Greg Klassen.

The objectives of the Task Force are as follows:

Determine the economic benefits of homeporting a cruise line in the region
Determine the most feasible location for such homeporting
Determine the economic viability and benefits of suggested inter-island cruise itineraries, attractions and tours
Identify the existing and potential demand by international source markets
Determine the ideal marketing strategy for each critical stakeholder and policy making audience identified
The islands of Micronesia include Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.