Cambodia to host 10th Mekong Tourism Forum

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is to hold the 10th Mekong Tourism Forum, March 25-27, 2005 at the Angkor Century Resort and Spa in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia, the Forum is being organised by PATA in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Siem Reap serves as an important tourism centre for Cambodia. The town is best known as the gateway to the historic sites of the ancient Khmer empire, which includes Bayon, Banteay Srey and the legendary Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Siem Reap also offers visitors insights into rural Cambodia with trips to silk farms, road tours through the paddies, boat trips on Tonle Sap lake, and a visit to a bird sanctuary.

The theme for the Forum on its 10th anniversary is "Celebrating a Decade of Co-operation." Public- and private-sector tourism stakeholders from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunnan province in China (PRC) will meet in Siem Reap to further enhance sub-regional co-operation to grow the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) as a travel destination.

PATA Vice President-Development Mr Peter Semone said: "In the past ten years, the six countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region have worked together to raise their tourism profiles. To reinforce that work, we hope to encourage the redoubling of co-operative efforts that promote the promising future of the GMS's tourism industry."

PATA members may register for US$120 per delegate, which is a discount of US$80 off the non-member rate of US$200. Spouses and accompanying persons may participate in the social functions for an additional US$50 per person. A US$20 discount is available to earlybirds who register before January 30, 2005. A late fee of US$20 applies to registrations received after March 1, 2005.

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