PATA Travel Mart 2003 lowers rates to 1997 levels

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will offer 1997 exhibition prices for next year's 26th PATA Travel Mart, October 1-3, 2003, at Suntec, Singapore. The 1997 Mart saw the biggest turnout ever. It was also the year PATA last fully managed the event.

By managing the event in-house, PATA has been able to significantly reduce the space cost for the 2003 Mart. The cost saving is being passed on to a wider cross-section of the industry. 

Seller fees start from US$1,650 (for a nine square-metre shell scheme booth space) for PATA members and US$1,950 for non-members. Buyer fees to attend the Travel Mart start from US$150 for PATA members and US$175 for non-members. Packages at US$395 with complimentary or discounted air fares plus a hotel assignment will be made available to Buyers who register before June 20, 2003.

In addition, PATA has narrowed the price gap between PATA member and non-member participation costs. However, a range of exclusive tangible benefits will be offered to buyers and sellers who are members of the Association.

PATA Managing Director-Events, Ms. Sheila Leong, said: "In today’s climate, price does matter – and we’re reflecting that in our price structure for the Mart."

An 11-member PATA Travel Mart Advisory Committee, chaired by Mr. Kevin Murphy, Vice President, International Operations and Development, Great Eagle Hotels International, will work with PATA management to reposition the Mart and produce strategic and tactical marketing initiatives to inject short-term and long-term growth into the event.

PATA Managing Director-Events, Ms. Sheila Leong said: "PATA and the PATA Travel Mart Advisory Committee will work closely to ensure that the Mart drives home its effectiveness as a business tool for PATA members operating in a marketplace driven by bottom-line results. We are extremely grateful to these individuals for volunteering their time to reshape the PATA Travel Mart." 

Ms. Leong added: "By making changes we aim to attract the right mix and volume of international product buyers and sellers from across Pacific Asia. We will position the PATA Travel Mart as a key membership benefit."

PATA Travel Mart specialists in PATA headquarters in Bangkok are replying to requests for further information and space bookings. Please contact Ms. Sheila Leong, Ms. Tik – Phenthip Chomprang, or Ms. Angkana Lakanapornrak. Tel: (66-2) 658-2000. Fax: (66-2) 658-2013.