Buyers and sellers at PATA
Travel Mart 2007 in Bali are positive about the
show, despite the Mart being spread across seven locations over two
floors. PATA Director - Events Ms Sheila Leong said she was pleased that
efforts to schedule buyer appointments by seller zones had paid off.

“Having spoken to some of our buyer delegates on the show floor, I am
very pleased that most buyers were happy with the structure and
appreciated our concern for them in this area,” she said.

Ms Leong reaffirmed that, with 4,294 square metres, PTM07 has more
than 5% more built-up exhibition space than PTM06 in Hong Kong SAR.

Most delegates acknowledged that the pre-Mart planning and on-site
operations were extremely well organised and efficient.

“PATA Travel Mart is very well structured and punctually organised,”
said Paris-based Interface Tourism’s Ms Serena Valle, who accompanied
seven French buyers to this year’s Mart.

“The level of exhibitors is extremely high and perfect for reaching
European customers.  Niche products such as ecotourism and diving in
particular, are well suited to the needs of the French,” she said.

“The high number of 5-star and boutique properties with spa facilities
is incredibly interesting to both France and Italy where these
products are really trendy.”

Orbitz Worldwide’s General Manager Asia Pacific Mr Andrew Cox, a buyer
delegate from Sydney who is attending his second PTM, said that the
event is an important stop on their worldwide trade show circuit as it
complemented Orbitz’ global strategies in supplier negotiations.

“Our targeted appointments have proven highly successful and we have
already written much business,” said Mr Cox. He added that further
meetings have been organised as a result of the social sessions. “A
very well run and organised event.”

President and CEO of Thailand’s Aprime Hotels & Resorts Mr Danai
Wansom was another to agree and congratulated PATA on this year’s
success, adding that the appointment session and networking programme
was very well arranged. 

“The show has improved in all areas,” he said. “Excellent!”

Attending his first PTM, Hospitality Marketing Concept’s Senior Vice
President Asia Pacific Mr Stuart McAusland said: “PTM offered us a
great opportunity to not only meet with our existing clients but also
to introduce our products to potential clients.”

In Bali to introduce and raise awareness for Voila Hotel Rewards,
their new loyalty programme for independent hotels, he added that
attending PTM has given them a better idea on how to work their
marketing plan.

Nikko Hotels International’s Assistant Vice President Global Marketing
Mr Norihisa Ishida, a regular participant to PTM, found the business
sessions very productive.

“While we had already secured pre-scheduled appointments, we also
added many walk-in appointments,” he said, adding that their corporate
stand was so busy that staff were kept on their feet.

Hotel Nikko Hong Kong’s Assistant Director of Sales Mr Dickson Ho
said: “We have already obtained up to 150 room nights of potential
business for our hotels in India and Hong Kong in January 2008.”
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