PETER DE JONG NAMED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF PATA

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Peter de Jong as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2001.

For the past 10 years, Mr. de Jong has served as the Director General of the Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations (FIYTO), the global travel trade association for the youth and student travel industry. Under Mr. de Jong’s leadership, FIYTO’s membership more than doubled, whilst its financial reserves and trade fair attendance tripled.

"An intensive, professionally guided, search and selection process brought the CEO Search Committee to a position where we were able to make a unanimous recommendation to the Board of Directors for the appointment of Mr. Peter de Jong as PATA's new CEO," said 2001/2002 PATA Chairman, Mr. John Sandford, who headed the CEO Search Committee.

He added: "We were faced with a very strong list of contenders for the position and I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint an individual of Mr. de Jong's talent and experience to lead PATA into the challenging and exciting years ahead."

Before joining FIYTO in 1991, Mr. de Jong worked for four years as an organisational development consultant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Prior to that, he served 11 years as the Secretary General of The Experiment in International Living, a U.S.-based international citizen exchange organisation that specialises in language and educational travel, intercultural studies and academic exchanges.

"I am honoured and excited to have been selected for this important post," said Mr. de Jong. "As Pacific Asia travel and tourism is entering its most dynamic period of sustained growth and development, I consider it a privilege to contribute to PATA's unique success story."

Founded in 1951, PATA is the recognised authority on Pacific Asia travel and tourism. The Association provides marketing, research and educational opportunities to a membership of nearly 2,000 government tourist offices, airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and related companies. PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Pacific Asia travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership.