ASIA Travel Tips.com

(http://www.asiatraveltips.com)

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) President and CEO, Mr. Peter de Jong, will join the world’s leading travel authorities at an IPK International forum entitled, "The Latest Global Travel Trends 2002-2003." The event will take place Tuesday November 12, 2002, at WTM in London.

During the two-hour event the leaders of PATA, the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the European Travel Commission (ETC), the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) will deliver concise updates of the state of the global travel industry. Prior to the event the associations represented above will meet in Pisa, Italy to correlate the latest data and trends from their respective areas.

During the forum Mr. de Jong will deliver a 15-minute speech entitled: "Pacific Asia - The New Engine of Global Tourism Growth." The title is derived from data which shows that Pacific Asia:

* Stimulates 60 percent of global tourism demand
* Generates 25 percent of international arrivals
* Creates 45 percent of worldwide tourism receipts
* Is the world’s fastest growing region - demographically and economically.

In addition, during 2002-2012, India and China (PRC) are forecast to experience annual growth in tourism demand of 10 and nine percent respectively, compared to a world average 4.5 percent.

Mr. de Jong’s speech will also touch on the new reality of terrorism, regional conflicts and travel advisories, and the implications for travel.

PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre Managing Director, Mr. John Koldowski, said: "In an industry as dynamic as travel and tourism it is essential to be well-informed on changing market conditions and any potential opportunities and downsides."

IPK International invites top global media and travel industry decision-makers to attend the event, which will take place 1400-1600 on November 12 at City Side rooms 4 & 5 at the ExCeL conference and exhibition centre.

IPK is inviting journalists wishing to attend the event to pre-register online at http://www.worldtravelmart.co.uk/page.cfm/Link=234. For further information e-mail to IPK’s Mr. Etienne Pauchant at pauchant@ipkinternational.com