PTM07 opens bigger than ever
PATA Travel Mart 2007 has
opened in Bali with a total built-up floor space of 4,294 square metres and
PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong has said: “Going from strength
to strength, the Mart is again setting records in 2007.”“In today’s highly competitive marketplace, this strong sustained
growth is
a truly remarkable performance.”
Mr de Jong attributed strong member support and increased seller
representations from South Asia, Northeast Asia and the Pacific as
reasons
for the Mart being recognised as one of the biggest travel contracting
and
networking shows in Asia Pacific.
“In many ways, the success of the Mart is a reflection of the
dynamism and
the strength of the Asia Pacific region.”
Helping to drive this growth is the strong performance of Asia Pacific
travel and tourism, which last year came close to 356 million
international
arrivals for the first time.
Travel to Asia Pacific destinations will continue to outperform
long-term
average global growth rates, expanding by around 6% per annum to 2009,
according to the ‘PATA Annual Statistical Report 2006’, which was
launched
yesterday at the Mart.
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“In 2007, Asia Pacific has so far added an additional 13.8 million
international arrivals and expanded volumes by 7.1% year-on-year,”
said PATA Director - Strategic Intelligence Centre Mr John Koldowski.
“Flows between China (PRC), Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR continue to
dominate
the numbers, adding 3.8 million additional arrivals and expanding 6%
in the
first six months of 2007,” he added.
Mr de Jong confirmed the official delegate numbers for PTM07. A total
of 423
buyers representing 343 organisations from 49 source markets have
arrived at
Bali International Convention Centre for PTM07.
Buyers have come to negotiate with 830 seller delegates representing 376 travel organisations from 38 destinations.
Mr de Jong described the global nature of Asia Pacific’s source markets: “We are pleased to welcome buyers from emerging source
markets such
as Cyprus, Fiji, Malta, Slovakia and Turkey.”
Mr de Jong said: “From a seller perspective, we have a good
cross-section of
inbound operators, hotels, national and regional tourism offices,
cruise
operators, airlines and airports. Seller representation which has also
grown
strongly over the last few years has this year extended to include
Canada.
He added: “Not surprisingly, we are still seeing a presence from
mainland
China, with 14 seller organisations, taking 144 sq m of floor
space.” Mr de
Jong reaffirmed PATA’s commitment to growing its activities in the
“critical
market” of China (PRC).
Highlighting some of the features at this year’s Mart, Mr de Jong
talked
about the outbound workshops organised by PATA’s Strategic
Intelligence
Centre which will offer essential insights into the source markets of
China
and the USA; both collectively generated more than 90 million
international
arrivals to Asia Pacific destinations last year.
For the first time, the annual PATA Foundation Silent Auction and the
PATA
Gold Awards presentation ceremony is being held in conjunction with
the Mart.
“The awards presentation lunch on Friday is dedicated to honouring
our 2007 Grand and Gold awards winners for their exceptional
achievements,” said
Mr de Jong.
Mr de Jong cited PATA’s continued successful repositioning of the
Mart and
strong strategic support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism -
Republic of Indonesia, official airline Garuda Indonesia, the Bali Government
Tourism Office, and PATA Indonesia and Bali & Nusa Tenggara chapters, as major
contributors to the success of PTM07.
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