Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia collaborated with Trip Advisor and the Palau Chamber of Commerce to deliver a successful Digital Tourism workshop to local tourism operators in Palau.
The tourism sector is one of the world’s fastest growing industries. It is recognised as an important driver of economic growth and employment opportunities in the Pacific Islands.
The way international tourists make travel decisions is changing. An increasing number of tourists use the internet as their main source of information. Deciding what to do and where to stay using their phone, tablet or computer with referral sites such as Trip Advisor playing an important role in the decision-making process.
David Murano, Communications Director, Palau Chamber of Commerce said the workshop was an important opportunity for Palau and its members.
“As a small island nation with stunning natural resources, tourism is our major export. It gives opportunities to small business owners to enter the market and create jobs. PTI Australia’s Digital Tourism workshop has provided smaller tourism operators with the tools that they otherwise could not have accessed.”
Edelene Albert, Air B2B operator said as new tourism operator she found the workshop extremely valuable.
“The entire workshop was very informative, digital tourism can be daunting, especially knowing where to start. I really appreciate that PTI Australia has come to Palau to help us. The industry is expanding and the impact of the workshop on my business is going to be huge. By applying what we’ve learned, we will be able to market ourselves not only in the Pacific regionally but also to the rest of the world.”
PTI Australia has worked in the Pacific Islands for over 30 years and saw a gap in how local Pacific operators access the tourist market. PTI Australia identified a need to upskill local tourism operators in their knowledge of digital marketing and provide practical steps to help Palau tourism operators increase bookings and improve their profitability.
“An online presence is essential to ensure success in the tourism sector, it’s vital that all Pacific Island tourism operators have a website” said General Manager Investment & Tourism, PTI Australia, Chad Morris.
For more information please email General Manager Investment & Tourism, PTI Australia Chad Morris, at chad.morris@pacifictradeinvest.com
(Source: Pacific Periscope 04 July 2017)
