Visitor Arrivals & Year In Review
Marketing Initiatives
Social Media Campaign – Hashtag marketing along with friendly challenges to promote positivity during this time of COVID-19
- #CopeChallenge
- #Visitpalau
- #Plannowtravellater
- #LivingPristine Campaign – With zero tourist and boarders closed, we seized the opportunity to showcase our unique and beautiful island. “Kaiuecharou” is a Palauan word that means respecting each other in sharing ideas toward a common goal or purpose.
Video Series – to promote and showcase striving restaurants. Providing promotion within our local market and community.
Alii! Mei e Domengur “Come, Let’s Eat” Video Series on Youtube
- Yokohoma Restaurant – believed to be the oldest operating restaurant to date.
- Side Street Café – Local Favorite hot spot for students to meet and share notes and cool down with their famous milkshakes.
- Okemii Restaurant – Located in the Capitol state of Melekeok, get way spot to enjoy the ocean breeze and local favorite dishes.
Promotional Videos:
- Peleliu State – World War II Relics with Local favorite and Historian Tangy Hesus with sightseeing at other historical sites and Local accommodation.
- Kayangel – Kick off PVA Ocean 16 Cleanup.
- Angaur State – A glimpse of Angaur! Path less travelled.
- Our Earth Video - #OurEarth “Plant today for your tomorrow”
- Beautiful Destinations Content
Recognitions & News
- New Administration - The office of the President of the Republic of Palau, Honorable Surangel Whipps Jr.
- Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2021 Recipient – Pristine Paradise. Palau “ Best Sustainable Island”
- 2019 PATA Gold Award for Community Based Tourism Recipient
- Palau Listed as one of the five Family Travel Countries – National Geographic
- Oka Midori, Japanese renowned Enka Singer first time in Palau.
Tradeshow & Events
- January 2020 – KONQER Palau
- February 2020 – Chicago & Denver Travel & Adventure Show (Back to Back)
- March 2020- Present; Boarders are closed to international flights and leisure traveling.
Agency Workforce & Collaboration – Driving force to revive and prepare the Tourism Industry before boarder reopening.
- Created the “Safe for You” Seal for the Pandemic Safety Certification for Tourism
- Pandemic Safety Certification Guidelines for Tourism established.
- Launch the Pandemic Safety Certification Training Program. Created by the Bureau of Tourism and its partners to certify tourism-related business in the Republic of Palau.
- “Alii Pass” – Mobile app to promote Cashless transactions between visitors and local establishments.
Member Highlight
Palau Central Hotel
For the last year, the tiny island nation of Palau has been living in a reality far different from the rest of the planet. While the world has experienced the closures of public spaces, limitations on movements and gatherings, mask wearing, and the weighty social impacts of COVID-19, Palau has been suspended in a time loop. If not for the lack of tourists and constant live news feed from abroad, the people of Palau might not have become aware of the challenges faced in other parts of the world.
The lack of tourism has had a major impact on the hospitality industry with restaurants, hotels and tour companies cutting expenses or in some circumstances closing all together. However, there is now renewed optimism with the opening of Palau’s borders on the horizon.
On April 1, 2021, Palau launched the much anticipated travel bubble with its neighbor and ally, Taiwan. With a population of 22 million, the potential for an economic boost from tourism is becoming a reality. Although the current plan has visitors traveling in groups that will utilize primarily Taiwanese owned hotels, tour operators and restaurants, the hope is as flights between Taiwan and Palau increase more local business owners will be able to partake in this newly modeled tourism bubble.
Palau business owners are also anticipating the next potential group of travelers from Japan or the West. There are ongoing discussions about cracking the door open to these travelers in June or later, once most of the country has been vaccinated. In addition to these potential tourists, the US Military continues to visit Palau adding another level to its economic recovery.
With this news we are doing what we can to prepare by enrolling in the government COVID Safe plan, training our employees on new protocols, installing sneeze guards and hand sanitizer, upgrading to a touchless environment where possible and preparing to market to the new tourist. After a year of reduced operations, maintenance employees have quite a job on their hands as they work tirelessly to prepare properties for a full reopening. Management also has a unique challenge as they research and constantly monitor the evolution of the new traveler to understand who they are, what they want and how we make them feel welcome and safe.
Jeff Barabe is an owner of Palau Central Hotel, Canoe House Bar and Restaurant, Elilai Seaside Dining, Caroline’s Resort and Roll ‘em Productions/OTV.
