24TH PATA TRAVEL MART COMBINES BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE

The 24th Pacific Asia Travel Association Travel Mart in Singapore, April 3-6, proves it is possible to combine business with pleasure. For most delegates the priority will be new business.

Over 270 buyers from 49 countries and 264 seller companies from 32 countries will meet for two and a half days of pre-scheduled buyer-seller appointments.

"PATA is a great way of investing in the future of our company," says Ms. May Chow, Director of International Sales for Crown Towers Resort. "It provides an extremely effective and economical vehicle from which to drive the objective of building partnerships for growth for our complex, which is one of Australia's most exciting tourist attractions."

The Mart has attracted 96 new buyers including an upturn in representatives from Middle East countries. Buyer countries such as Bahrain, Egypt, Syria and Tunisia will be present for the first time.

Buyers will find a wide range of products to choose from. "Our suppliers represent the full diversity of Pacific Asia, which is the world's most exotic and exciting travel destination," said PATA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joseph A. McInerney.

After business comes pleasure. The 2001 PATA Travel Mart offers a full schedule of Asian hospitality by day and night.

Singapore is offering delegates complimentary trips such as a half-day Fengshui tour (April 3) or a half-day trip into the heartland of Singapore island (April 3). In the evenings delegates can loosen up at the Mart's Wild Wild West night (April 4), Viva la Fiesta! (April 5) and the closing ceremony and travel awards night (April 6).

While the Mart is going on, Singapore is also celebrating its Food Festival (www.singaporefoodfestival.com) and its performance and visual arts celebration called Take Art! (www.takeart.com.sg).

Malaysia is the feature country at this year's Mart. Starting on April 7, Tourism Malaysia is kindly offering delegates very competitively priced tours to both East and Peninsula Malaysia.