PATA Board meeting opens after robust PATA Travel Mart 2004

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Board of Directors meeting opened today in Bangkok. Over 130 leaders and representatives from the travel and tourism industry in Asia Pacific will debate issues affecting the industry across the region.

The PATA Board in committee and full session will hear details on the upswing in travel which has led to an average increase of 28% in arrival numbers compared to last year. The year-to-date figures compiled by PATA's Strategic Intelligence Centre reveal 19% more arrivals compared to same-period figures from the region's previous best year, 2000.

The Board members are convening just as the three-day PATA Travel Mart, the largest travel contracting show for the Asia Pacific region, closes. The atmosphere among buyers and sellers was upbeat reflecting the strong demand for Asia Pacific products such as hotels, airlines, tours and travel distribution services.

At the Mart, 345 travel buyers representing 309 organisations from 45 countries met with 720 seller delegates representing 342 Asia Pacific travel and tourism organisations from 37 countries.

PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong said the new demand for travel services was being driven by robust economic performances in key markets and this had underpinned the self belief and optimism on the floor of the Mart. 

"Last year the industry was down. This year we're back with very strong figures. New volatility could occur any time. It is important we keep a balanced perspective which draws on the industry's recent experiences," he said.

During the Board meeting, PATA executives will update the association's members on key issues such as how to tackle the challenge of adverse travel advisories and the need for regional preparedness for future crises. Board members will also hear details on how the proposed new top level domain name, ".travel", will impact the industry and the Internet.

PATA executives will also release information on the Association's new membership drive which aims to consolidate the travel body as the leading voice and authority on travel in Asia Pacific.

The PATA Board of Directors meeting, September 24-26, is being held at the JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok.

See other recent news from: PATA