Director of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes has been elected by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Board members gathered in Guam as one of the 12 voting members of the PATA Executive Board for the next two years, during PATA Annual Summit 2016 held in May. The appointment is a step up for the term of Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes in the PATA Executive Board as she served for the past year as an invited non-voting member.

“My new responsibilities in PATA are a great honour for Macao tourism and also an endorsement of our efforts throughout the years to support the Association's endeavours to foster sustainable tourism development in Asia Pacific," Senna Fernandes said.

The PATA Executive Board determines industry policies and positions of PATA as the governing body of the Association. It is also responsible for governing the corporate affairs and operations of PATA. Hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau, the PATA Annual Summit 2016 attracted 640 participants from 33 countries and territories from 18^th to 21^st May to the tropical island in the Pacific. The MGTO Director attended several meetings of the Association; namely, the PATA Executive Board Meeting, the PATA Board Meeting and the PATA Annual General Meeting.

In addition, the MGTO Director also joined the PATA-organized one-day conference 'Exploring the Secrets of the Blue Continent' and the half-day PATA/UNWTO Ministerial Debate on Pacific Island Tourism, featuring international experts. She also participated in the PATA Marketplace to learn about key industry issues and trends from the experts. She was also present at the PATA Foundation Charity Gala Dinner, and the welcome fiesta hosted by Guam Visitors Bureau for delegates that included PATA's 65^th anniversary celebrations.