Interactive Features to enhance PATA Travel Mart 2005

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is adding a collection of new interactive features to the PATA Travel Mart 2005, to be held between 27-30 September 2005 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia. Delegates will be able to benefit from:

More Business Appointments

PATA has reduced the duration of each business appointment from 20 minutes to 15, allowing 42 face-to-face business appointments over the two-and-a-half business days of the Mart. This is an increase of four business appointments over the 38 that were available at PTM04.

Measurable Results

To ensure registered buyers attend all their business appointments, PATA will request both buyers and sellers to declare facts and figures on each appointment; the nature of the meeting and the potential or actual business contracted.

Meet the Buyers Breakfasts

Each morning, before the start of the business appointments, PATA has arranged for buyers to be hosted at a themed breakfast. Buyers will be seated according to their geographic source markets: North, Central and South American buyers; European, African and Middle Eastern buyers; Asian, Australian and New Zealand buyers; plus late registered buyers (after July 31) who do not have pre-matched appointments.

Sellers will be invited to join the three Meet the Buyers breakfast sessions at a nominal fee of US$20 net per person per breakfast. Sellers can select their preferred seating group.

Following buyer feedback after PTM04, the Meet the Buyers breakfast sessions replace the on-site appointment matching sessions of previous Marts.

More Onsite Networking Opportunities

In addition to the various meals and social functions hosted by PTM05 co-hosts and sponsors, PATA has included five coffee break sessions and two cocktail hours over the two and a half business days of the Mart. These will take place in the PTM05 Network Lounge on the show floor, ensuring maximum participation by delegates and enhancing the networking value of the Mart.

More Qualified Trade Visitors

PTM04 in Bangkok recorded 811 qualified trade visitors from 27 countries on the last day of the Mart. Recognising the value to sellers of greater trade visitation, PATA will again open the last half day of PTM05 to trade visitors who may register on site. Admission is free for 30 September between the hours 0900-1200.

Outbound Luncheon Workshops

Following the standing-room-only success of the educational programmes at PTM04 in Bangkok, PATA is again organising three outbound workshops to take place during PTM05.

Mart delegates who attend these interactive workshops will acquire insights into three important emerging source markets: China, India and Russia. Presenters will discuss demographic change, travel demand patterns, social trends and behaviour of travellers from each market. Issues affecting foreign participation in China's, India's and Russia's travel sector will be explored.

Each luncheon workshop costs US$35 per person, per workshop for PTM05 registered delegates; US$50 per person, per workshop for non-PTM05 delegates; and again as in 2004, and rather unusually, US$15 per person, per workshop for media delegates. Lunch (China, India) or afternoon tea (Russia) is included.

Roundtable Media Sessions

PATA will introduce roundtable media briefing sessions for national tourism offices, airlines and PATA Premier Partners who want to update travel journalists in an informal environment. Formal press briefing options suitable for electronic presentations are also available.

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