 FSM Embassy Participates in the 2009 World Tourism Elites Boao SummitBeijing, China (FSM Embassy): May 22, 2009 - In line with the ongoing efforts of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to promote the Nation as a destination for tourism, the FSM Embassy in Beijing dispatched First Secretary Vincent Sivas to participate in the 2009 World Tourism Elites Boao Summit in Hainan, China. The World Tourism Elites Boao Summit is a high level, international meeting which was organized by the International Tourism Marketing Association (ITMA) and the World Harmony Foundation (WHF), a non-governmental organization of the United Nations. The Meeting was held from 25-27 April 2009. This annual meeting allows tourism elites from all over the world to share and promote their respective tourism sources. Aside from the promotion of tourism sources, the summit provides a forum to all participants to inspire new thinking and provoke new development, most especially during these times of economic challenges. Invited to the summit were representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Tourism officials from China and abroad, as well as the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Office (PIFTO) and the United Nation Development Program. On the evening of 25 April 2009, First Secretary Sivas joined Ambassador Mahe Tupouniua of the Kingdom of Tonga, Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad of Bangladesh, Minister Counselor Carrington Ca of Guinea-Bissau and Mr. Samuela Savou of PIFTO in an interview session to promote their respective countries. The First Secretary gave a brief introduction to the FSM and welcomed interested tourist to visit the FSM. A presentation of the Pacific Islands from a regional perspective was given by Mr. Samuela Savou during the summit. The FSM Embassy will continue to engage and participate in tourism events throughout China and continental Asia in accordance with the efforts of the administration of H.E. President Manny Mori to promote the FSM as an excellent tourism and investment destination. |