Rooster Forecasts Robust Travel Growth
Travel bookings outstripped expectations during the first week of the Year of the Rooster and sets the scene for a year of robust growth, according to PATA Premier Partner Abacus International. The week following Chinese New Year usually sees a sharp decrease in travel bookings in many Asia Pacific markets. However, in key markets such as Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Korea (ROK), Malaysia and Singapore, bookings made through Abacus, February 13-19, were significantly higher — +146% and +153% — than the equivalent periods in 2003 (February 8-14) and 2004 (January 25-31).
“Bookings during the week following Chinese New Year are a good indicator of the health of the region’s travel industry and how it will perform in the year ahead,” said Abacus President and CEO Mr Don Birch. “This year we have good reason to be optimistic. Bookings held up remarkably well across the board due to strong underlying demand and effective marketing and distribution of special fares by airlines and travel agencies.”
Full release . Information about PATA Premier Partners .
PATA Board to Meet Ahead of Macau Conference
The PATA Board of Directors, chaired by Mr Ram Kohli will convene April 16-17, prior to the 54th PATA Annual Conference , April 17-21. Leaders and representatives from the travel and tourism industry in Asia Pacific will debate issues affecting the industry across the region.
The PATA Board will hear details on how well Asia Pacific travel and tourism performed in 2004 — posting record arrivals numbers of more than 306 million. Board members will also report on the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean quake and tsunami, with emphasis on impact, response, how the affected tourism destinations are faring now, and what still needs to be done.
PATA management will update the Board on key issues such as PATA’s tsunami response , the PATA Total Tourism Survey , the current PATA membership drive and prospects for PATA Travel Mart 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, September 27-30.
PATA, Macau Make Final Preparations for Conference
PATA Events has moved to Macau to make final on-site preparations for the 54th PATA Annual Conference. For the next few days leading up to the Conference, which begins with the Macau Welcome Reception and Dinner on April 17, the Events team will work closely with the Macau Host Committee to ensure the smooth running of what promises to be a memorable event for all delegates.
PATA Events staff can be contacted at the Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre through their usual e-mail addresses or at the following numbers:
PATA Secretariat and Workroom
Tel: (853) 968-922
Fax: (853) 968-933
PATA Conference Management
Tel: (853) 968-988
You can still register for the Conference .
| A Strange Visitation and a Poetic Suicide
In 1917, in the hills near Fatima in Portugal, three shepherd children are said to have been visited by “Our Lady” Mary. Marking this event on May 13, the annual Procession of Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most important events on the Catholic calendar in Macau. A statue of Our Lady of Fatima (pictured) is carried shoulder-high in a solemn procession from St Dominic’s Church in Senado Square to Penha Church where mass is held. Macau plays host to the 54th PATA Annual Conference , April 17-21 at the Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Center. |
ICANN Approves ‘Dot Travel’
Tralliance’s quest to become the registry for the ‘.travel’ sponsored Top Level Domain (sTLD) is over. The International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Board of Directors unanimously approved Tralliance’s application, April 8, and ratified the ICANN/Tralliance contract. The announcement marks the culmination of the independent evaluation and contract negotiation process and means that .travel is now a reality.
ICANN also ratified ‘.jobs’. Discussions continue on other proposed sTLDs such as ‘.asia’.
Full release .
Experts Warn of Ecosystem Changes
Approximately 60% of the natural ecosystem processes that support life on Earth are being degraded or used unsustainably, according to a World Bank-supported study conducted by 1,300 experts from 95 countries.
Full reports on this and other sustainable tourism-related news and resources are available at www.PATA.org/sustainability .
Breakout News: What’s New in Asia Pacific?
News@PATA is pleased to present the April-May edition of What’s New in Asia Pacific — a monthly update on the products and special offers of PATA members.
Read . Contribute .
Foolish Headline Highlights Amazing Value
News@PATA would like to apologise to anyone who was offended by the headline of the April 6 edition of News@PATA (“Only a Fool Would Miss PATA’s April Conference “). The headline was intended to draw attention to the event’s outstanding value proposition, which combines improved format, high profile speakers, professional moderators, renowned networking functions and revised pricing. It was also used on an April 1 press release. No offence was intended to be inflicted upon anyone who, for whatever reason, will not attend the 54th PATA Annual Conference .
The Leela Offers Special PATA Packages
Check out the travel section of PATA Special Offers for new exclusive PATA member deals being offered by PATA member The Leela Palaces & Resorts.
‘Travelinc’ Offers Reduced Rates to PATA Members
Exclusive to PATA members, Travelinc magazine of New Zealand would like to extend a 40% discount off its rack rate for advertising. See the miscellaneous section of PATA Special Offers for more information.
