SRI LANKA, NEPAL AND NEW PATA CEO ADDRESS THE ISSUES

The chairmen of Sri Lanka Tourism Board and the PATA Nepal Chapter and the new Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association will address the PATA press briefing during the World Travel Market in London. The briefing will take place 1030-1130 on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 in the Westminster Room at Earls Court.

PATA's newly-appointed CEO, Mr. Peter de Jong, will describe the challenges and opportunities facing PATA and the region. Mr. Renton de Alwis, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism and Mr. Ashok Pokharel, Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter, will describe the latest tourism trends, trade initiatives and offers in Sri Lanka and Nepal.

"Both countries represented at our press briefing are world class travel destinations," said Mr. de Jong. "The briefing aims to remind the media of the great value for money and depth of cultural experiences which visitors to both Sri Lanka and Nepal can enjoy."

For example, SriLankan Airlines and the country's hotel sector have just launched a Buy One, Get One Free marketing campaign. Its inbound tour operators are also offering discounts.

Nepal is working to diversify its tourism image beyond mountain trekking to attract visitors interested in temples, religious festivals, handicrafts, dining and soft adventure such as white water canoeing and air ballooning.

Also at the PATA press briefing, Mr. Arif Yakub, General Manager Marketing of Karachi-based Travel Waljis, will give a brief statement on how the tourism industry in Pakistan has been impacted by events in neighbouring Afghanistan.

World Travel Market is the second largest travel trade show in the world. Last year it attracted over 5,000 exhibitor companies and 2,400 journalists. Over 48,000 industry personnel attended the event, representing 177 countries.

The PATA stand at World Travel Market is AS622 in the Gallery Level.