BEST OF VICTORIA B.C. FOR PATA AMERICAS MEETING

Retail agents, suppliers and Pacific Asia Travel Association chapters will benefit from a diverse agenda at the 13th PATA Americas Division meeting, October 24-26 in Victoria, B.C., Canada.

The meeting will include a panel presentation featuring the latest updates on Canadian tourism from Tourism Victoria, Tourism British Columbia, the Canadian Tourism Commission and a supplier session on reaching niche markets such as family travel, ethnic and gay/lesbian.

Buyers will have chance to meet with PATA members, local destinations and suppliers at a two-hour mini travel trade show on the afternoon of October 26. Local Victoria suppliers and retail agents are being invited to attend.

PATA Chapter members will receive updates entitled "Setting Strategies for Chapter Success" featuring case studies from chapters in North and Latin America.

"The 2001 Americas Division meeting is a balance of professional and business development presentations along with some important discussions on issues facing the PATA Chapters," said Mr. Bill Hastings, Managing Director—Europe & The Americas. "We are creating a business model that will benefit the destinations, suppliers and North American-based retail agents. Details of that umbrella effort will be announced during the meeting."

The highlight will be the launch of two strategic initiatives: the PATA Pacific Asia Specialist Programme, an educational programme for retail travel agents in the United States and Canada, and the See You in Pacific Asia advertising campaign, a marketing programme to increase North American consumer awareness of travel opportunities to Pacific Asia through print advertising and cooperative marketing.

Delegates will also be invited to participate in three complimentary pre- and post- fam tours to experience marine wildlife, historic sites and the famous gardens in Victoria. There will also be a pre-event five-day Wilds of Canada tour at special discount rates.

In addition, a number of restaurants in Victoria such as Bravo on Wharf, Hugo’s Bar & Grill and Milestones Restaurant, to name just a few, will offer delegates special discounts. Delegates will also receive transportation discounts from Alaska Airlines, Horizon Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Clipper Navigation and AKA Airport.

Registration fees for the meeting are US$125 for PATA/chapter members, US$100 for spouses and guests, US$200 for non-PATA/chapter members and US$175 for spouses and guests. Hotel rates are US$98 per night at Ocean Points or US$83 at Harbour Tower. Airline discounts are being offered to all delegates. For further information please contact Mr. Bill Hastings. Tel: (1-415) 986-4646. Fax: (1-415) 834-0402. E-mail: Americas@pata.org.