During the 10th Micronesian Chief Executives’ Summit held in Pohnpei, the Federated States of Micronesia, late last month, the leaders also agreed to drop “Western” from their group’s official name to signify the inclusion of the eastern and western islands of Micronesia.
Saipan hosted two previous summits.
It was CNMI Gov. Benigno R. Fitial who recommended the inclusion of the Marshall Islands, the FSM state of Chuuk and the FSM itself to join the summit.
The summit in Pohnpei included Chuuk Gov. Wesley Simina, FSM President Emmanuel Mori and Marshall Islands President Litokwa Tomeing.
During their meeting, the regional tourism committee, or RTC, reported many recommendations to promote the islands collectively to different tourism markets have not been implemented due to budget constraints.
The RTC said the Pacific Asia Travel Association Micronesia Chapter continues to pursue regional marketing and promotions.
Pata has recently purchased a URL address and established a Web link — www.micronesia marketplace.com and is now in the process of retaining a professional public relations firm to develop regional awareness and image message.
“The regional awareness campaign has yet to be developed since funding has not been secured by all the chapter members. The RTC is recommending that the chief executives assist in securing funds for this regional campaign…. Costs are estimated on a per capital basis,” states a communiqué from the summit.
The committee told island members to prepare for their contributions to maintain the PR firm.
Palau, Yap and Guam have already embarked on a new marketing tool to sell their destinations — the so-called “Destination eGuides” (electronic brochures).
The committee suggested to the other islands like the Northern Marianas to embark on a similar project to create more awareness about their areas.
