Harnessing GPS technology & the worldwide reach of the Internet to create new markets, enhance
the visitor experience, and improve visitor
bureau entrepreneurial
spirit.
 

a destination enhancement exercise

Installing welcome signage promoting the new visitor information center at Pulau Weh’s Balohan port.

Dec 07: Isla Solutions’ John Heather (senior partner) and Dr Stan McGahey (associate) just completed a UN tourism-development consultancy in Pulau Weh—Sabang, Indonesia. Pulau Weh is the westernmost point of the country, and a hour’s ferry ride from tsunami-damaged Banda Aceh. John and Stan, along with Indonesia consultant Udi Djamil (right) formally created and launched the Pulau Weh—Sabang Tourism Association (PWSTA), a business-government collaboration to address the island’s tourism developmental, marketing, educational and environmental challenges.

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Dr. Stan McGahey at Pulau Weh’s Zero Kilometer monument, the westernmost point of Indonesia.

While John’s consultancy focused on the legal creation of the PWSTA, Stan’s follow up focused on creating alliances and staff / board training.

Oct 07: John was invited by the US Department of Interior to speak at the annual Island Business Opportunities Conference in Guam. John presented a comprehensive overview of Micronesia’s abundant tourism opportunities. The presentation detailed the factors for tourism success: attractions, source markets, linkages, security, pricing, infrastructure, service, government support, marketing, planning and an influential private sector.

US DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR ISLAND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES CONFERENCE

Pulau Weh - Sabang Tourism Association Launched           Sponsor: UN International Labour Organization

Oct, 07: John with Governor & Mrs. Felix Camacho of Guam, USA.

Oct, 07: With JTB Marketing vice president Masato Takamatsu in Narita.

PHOTO OPS

Dec 07: Cultural dancers in Sabang welcoming tourism journalists.

Dr. Mit Parsons is a retired USDA Forest Service fisheries ecologist with 35 years experience in policies, programs & field practices applied to both federal & not federal lands. Mit is a former adjunct professor in tourism with extensive international experience in ecotourism & sustainable benefit-based tourism management. 

 

JOHN HEATHER
Senior Partner

International Assignments

Creating the Pulau Weh Sabang Tourism Association
(Indonesia, UN-ILO)

Improving Sri Lanka Tourism Data Systems
(Colombo, USAID)

Business Plan for the Mongolia National Tourism Information Center
(Ulanbaatar, USAID)

Upgrading Palau Tourism Research
(Palau, S. Pacific Forum)

Department Chair, University of Guam International Tourism Department
(Guam, UOG)

Director, International Business & Tourism Institute (Guam, UOG)

Program Coordinator, Palau Pacific Hotel School
(Palau Pacific Resort, UOG)

Research Manager, Guam Visitors Bureau
(Guam, GVB)

J. HEATHER CV pdf

HIGHLIGHT

In Arizona, John is director of tourism for the Heber-Overgaard Chamber of Commerce,
and managing director for the Eden Landing Luxury Lodge fly-in estate at the Mogollon Airpark.