PATA ANNOUNCES 2002 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

The Pacific Asia Travel Association has released confirmed programme highlights from its upcoming 51st PATA Annual Conference, which will take place in New Delhi, India, April 14-18, 2002.

Under the theme, Tourism - Looking Ahead and Beyond, there will be sessions entitled, The Changing World and Its Impact on Tourism; Key Trends for the Future; Aviation: Where to From Here?; Global Marketing: New World, New Challenges; Economic and Demographic Change in the New World Order; and Sustainable Tourism in a Fragile Environment.

Speakers such as Mr. Michael Elliott, Editor-at-large, TIME Inc, Thailand's former foreign minister, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan and Mr. Richard Neville, Professional Futurist, will bring different viewpoints to the debate on The Changing World and Its Impact on Tourism.

PATA Senior Director-Events, Ms. Sheila Leong, predicted that with the global aviation sector so sharply in focus since September 11, the session on Aviation: Where to From Here? will draw passionate debate. "Airlines are the cornerstone of modern tourism. It is vital they remain financially viable while meeting or exceeding passenger expectations. It's an extremely difficult task," she said.

Mr. Nik Gowing, respected current affairs broadcaster with BBC World, will facilitate the session on Key Trends for the Future and Main Influences, bringing views and predictions from the private and public sectors, as well as the media. Speakers include Ms. Clara Chong of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Ms. Lisa Henriques Hughes of Conde Nast Traveler, Mr. Thomas Oliver of Six Continents Hotels and Ms. Sue Shapiro of Shapiro Travel Resources.

Learning From the Past to Prepare for Future Success draws on the experience of the British Tourist Authority in dealing with foot and mouth crisis and Sri Lanka Tourism in addressing domestic security challenges. Broadcasters from CNN and BBC World together with Mr. Martin Langford of Burson Marsteller will explain their perspectives on such crises.

Delegates at the 51st PATA Annual Conference will also be regaled by Indian hospitality at the welcome reception set against the Qutab Minar. Other Conference highlights include the annual PATA Gold Awards ceremony and a multi-media presentation by award winning National Georgraphic Traveler photographer Mr. Steve McCurry. A rich variety of evening social functions also acts as icing on the cake for PATA Annual Conference delegates. The Conference is widely regarded as the premier networking event for the tourism industry in Pacific Asia.