PATA-VUSAMART DELEGATES RECEIVE WARM ALOHA

Event to receive new name in 2001

Nearly 400 delegates from 19 countries are attending the 15th Annual PATA-VUSAMART, the Pacific Asia Travel Association's inbound travel show that sells the Americas to travel planners from Pacific Asia. The event is taking place at the Hawaii Convention Center from September 26 to 29.

This year, 139 buyers from Japan, Korea (ROK), the Philippines, China (PRC), Chinese Taipei and other visitor source markets are transacting business with American and Canadian suppliers such as attractions, hotels, receptive operators and visitors bureaus.

"PATA's ties to Hawaii go back nearly 50 years, when the Association was founded here in Honolulu," said PATA CEO Mr. Joseph A. McInerney. "It is a pleasure for PATA and our delegates to return to this wonderful destination."

In 2001, the event will take on a new name, "PATA Americas Travel Mart," with the tagline, "Selling the Americas to Pacific Asia." This name more accurately reflects the objective of the show. Next year, the PATA Americas Travel Mart will be held in Mexico City, Mexico, September 25-28, 2001.

As evidence of the show's long-term viability, Las Vegas and Hawaii have permanently committed to hosting the PATA Americas Travel Mart every four years. Las Vegas will host in 2003, 2007, 2011 and so on, while Hawaii will host in 2004, 2008, 2012, etc. The show will be bid out to other Americas destinations, including Canada and Mexico, in the intervening years.

"We are delighted to receive such strong support from the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority," said Mr. McInerney. "They are committed to developing the Pacific Asia outbound market to its greatest potential."