PATA RESUMES FULL CONTROL OF PATA TRAVEL MART

27 June 2002

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has decided that effective from 2003 it will operate the PATA Travel Mart on its own. PATA and Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) have mutually agreed that it is in the best interest of both parties that the Mart be solely organised by PATA. 

Since 1998 RTE has organised the event for PATA under an agreement co-signed with the host destination, represented by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). At PATA’s and RTE’s request, the three parties reviewed the terms and conditions for next year.

Starting in 2003, PATA will assume sole organisational responsibility for the event. In cooperation with the STB, the next Mart will take place October 1-3, 2003 at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

"We did not come to this decision lightly," said PATA President and CEO, Mr. Peter de Jong. "Having chosen to bring the event back in-house after a five-year hiatus, we appreciate the huge task which lies ahead as we attempt to regain ground during an especially challenging period in our industry."

Mr. de Jong added: "I want to emphasise that PATA retains a warm and amicable relationship with RTE. We appreciate RTE’s professionalism during our partnership. We will continue to support other RTE travel trade shows around the world." 

Reed Travel Exhibitions Managing Director, Mr. Tom Nutley, said: "We have agreed that it is in the best interest of PATA Travel Mart that PATA assumes full responsibility of the event. Reed’s support of the association will naturally continue as we have established strong links with PATA long before we took over the management of the Mart. We wish PATA every success in organising PATA Travel Mart."

The first PATA Travel Mart was held in Manila in 1978. The event has recorded strong growth since then, peaking in 1997 in Beijing with 438 stands, 913 sellers and 460 buyers. However, attendance has declined in recent years, affected by factors such as the Asian economic crisis, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, and competition from other trade shows.

Looking to the future, Mr. de Jong said PATA’s Events department was working with senior management on a strategic repositioning of the Mart to ensure strong attendance in 2003 and beyond. Details will be confirmed shortly.

"We are committed to once again make PATA Travel Mart the number one trade event for operators buying Pacific Asia tourism products," he said.