To Whom It May Concern:
We came across this information in the trades and thought it would be of
interest to this newsgroup as well.
Happy sailing,
John Sisker
SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY®
(714) 536-3850 or toll free at
(800) 724-6644 & (pagoo ID: 714.536.3850)
http://www.shiptoshorecruise.com
PATTAYA, Thailand, April 24, 2006 - Some 1,141 delegates and leaders
representing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry in Asia Pacific
have convened at the 55th PATA Annual Conference in Pattaya, Thailand, to
discuss the theme, "Changing Lifestyles - New Opportunities."
Opening speakers said the convergence of economic, demographic and cultural
trends would continue to revolutionise the travel industry.
In the Conference's opening keynote address , Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive
Chairman for the Banyan Tree Group said: "The next decade or two will see
more lifestyle changes than in the entire past century."
He identified three driving forces: ageing baby boomers, the rise of the
urban middle class in China and India, "and the fact that travel
aspirations are becoming almost a human need".
"Accelerating this process is technology - both travel-specific technology,
such as the introduction of newer and cheaper aircraft, and even seemingly
unrelated technologies."
He said the convergence of Internet, telephone and television in a digital
"triple play" and the increasing power of technology would continue to drive
change in ways we cannot yet imagine.
"For example, the velocity of information transfer, the 'death of distance'
and the ability to reach out to consumers all over the globe - all
consequences of digital convergence -- is empowering everyone in the travel
industry," he said.
Mr Ho added: "On the other hand, our customers are also empowered with a
plethora of choice and information. The consumer experience, the tourist
experience, now begins long before they get on the plane."
The Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Suwat Liptapanlop, told delegates
in the Conference's inaugural address that Thailand was fully committed to
expanding its tourism industry based on the principles of innovation, the
enhancement of human skills and collaboration with all stakeholders.
"We believe that sharing experience and best practices, especially in the
areas of agricultural development, public health, and tourism will close the
economic gap between countries in the region," he said.
The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ms Juthamas Siriwan, told
delegates that Thailand had launched a series of special events for visitors
throughout the year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty, King
Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne.
The events are being promoted as "Thailand Grand Invitation 2006".
John Koldowski, Director of PATA's Strategic Intelligence Centre put the
speakers' remarks in context. "Over 330 million international visitor
arrivals visited Asia Pacific destinations in 2005, the second consecutive
year a new record has been reached.
"Much of the growth in demand is being fuelled by strong national economic
performances in Asia Pacific, deregulation in aviation, and the growth in
low cost carriers and special price deals, many of them booked on the
Internet."
The 55th PATA Annual Conference runs until April 26.
ABOUT PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the
recognised authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides
leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government,
state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 airlines and cruise lines, and
hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel
professionals belong to dozens of PATA chapters worldwide.
PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Asia Pacific
travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership. PATA is a
not-for-profit organisation.
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