The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce that Tavalea Nilon of Samoa is the winner of the 2011 ‘Face of the Future’ competition.

She was selected from a group of six finalists, with Sitpasu Thongsuk of Thailand and Hsu Htet Hlaing of Myanmar announced as runners-up.

Each of the finalists was required to put forward their views on the future of the tourism industry via a five-minute video presentation. The videos were judged by members of the PATA Executive Board during a meeting in Hawaii at the end of February.

This followed the first round of the competition, where nominated candidates were voted for online by PATA members.

There was a unanimous agreement by the panel of judges that Nilon’s video excelled in both presentation and content. Focussing on some of the key challenges facing Samoa’s tourism industry in the future, she highlighted the need for renewable energy options, better waste disposal methods and promoting the country as a culturally rich destination.

Said Hiran Cooray, chairman, PATA: “The PATA Executive Board were highly impressed by all six finalists, however, Tavalea’s video stood out. She showed a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by her small island nation, as well as the role she can play in helping to address them.”

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