MYANMAR TO HOST SEVENTH MEKONG TOURISM FORUM

The Pacific Asia Travel Association will hold the Seventh Mekong Tourism Forum in Yangon, Myanmar, April 4-6, 2002, just prior to the PATA Travel Mart in Singapore, April 9-12, 2002.

National Tourism Offices, government officials, airline leaders, hoteliers, tour operators, travel agents and media from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunnan, China (PRC) will meet to discuss key issues of branding, marketing and mutual cooperation within the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

Panellists will also discuss investment in infrastructure, human resources and how to eradicate child sex in tourism. Breakout sessions will focus on online marketing, positioning and selling destinations to long-haul buyers, the role of airlines in tourism, and the importance of airports in destination development.

For the first time, the Forum will offer an opportunity to Mekong Sub-region sellers to showcase their products and services in the New Products Launching Session which will coincide with the Buyers and Sellers Business Session, where trade business can be conducted.

Complimentary post-Forum tours will be offered to all delegates by Myanmar Tours and Travel and the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Tours include a visit to Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the wonders of the world, Htaukkyant War Cemetery, with its tombstones of Allied soldiers from World War II, and Bogyoke Aung San Market, renowned for its Myanmar arts and crafts.

"We are excited to have Yangon, Myanmar as the Forum venue for the first time. The country’s range of cultural attractions are truly breathtaking," said Ms. Malinee Kitapanich, PATA Director-Southeast Asia. "PATA is also working hard to make the Forum’s sessions timely and of real practical value."

The Seventh Mekong Tourism Forum takes place just prior to the 25th PATA Travel Mart in Singapore. This means delegates can expand their networking to two shows and meet a wider range of buyers. The Forum will carry the theme "Bridging the Mekong, Branding the Jewels."

Registration for PATA members is US$120 per delegate, US$200 for non-members and US$50 for spouses for social functions only. Early birds will receive a US$20 discount for registering before February 15, 2001. The late fee is US$20 extra for registrations received after March 15, 2001.