“Cost, Congestion and Competition – The Realities of Remaining Competitive,” will be the theme of the upcoming PATA Hub City Forum Sydney, to be held in Sydney, Friday, February 12 at the Sir Stamford Hotel, Macquarie St.

Among the many illustrious speakers, Mr. John King, Chairman of Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) will speak on “NSW Visitor Economy Task Force - A Plan to Double Overnight Visitor Expenditure in NSW by 2020.”

Mr. King said: “In spite of major events and attractions, New South Wales’ tourism has historically performed poorly against national and international competition. The Visitor Economy Taskforce Report, recently adopted by the State Government, is a bold plan to dramatically turnaround a poorly performing sector. Its success will depend on determined and cooperative action by the public and private sectors.”

Ms. Jeanette Allen, CEO, Service Industry Skills Council, called for innovative thinking to problem solve on service industry skills. She will speak on “The Service Sector in Tourism: Perception vs. Reality.”

“In order to provide your workforce with meaningful and fulfilling career paths, you must respond to concrete, articulated and tangible needs, not simply employ the traditional formulae that have always worked in the past,” said Allen.

Other speakers include, Shelley Roberts, Director of Aviation, Sydney Airport Corporation who will present on the topic “Coping with Future Demand. ”Tony Ryan, Principal, Ryan Lawyers, will address, “The Accommodation Scene and the question of ROI” and Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman, CAPA-Centre for Aviation will present on “Increasing Airport Congestion; what it means for Australia.”

Mr. Martin J. Craigs, PATA CEO, added: “Some of the best minds in Australian tourism will pull no punches. They have been tasked with grappling with thorny issues. I expect some good Australian straight talking.”

In recent months similar PATA Hub City Forums been held in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Beijing and London. All were designed to highlight and address what PATA, through its researchers and its membership surveys have identified as critical issues facing the Visitor Economy in each market.