![[PR] PR_Ascott and Vimut Hospital_2024](https://www.traveldailynews.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PR-PR_Ascott-and-Vimut-Hospital_2024-400x265.jpg)
REPORT-HONG KONG-PATA TRAVEL MART 2006: At the PTM06 Welcome Reception & Dinner jointly hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Ocean Park Hong Kong, PATA 2006-2007 Chairman Mr Richard Beere thanked the…
REPORT-HONG KONG-PATA TRAVEL MART 2006: At the PTM06 Welcome Reception & Dinner jointly hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Ocean Park Hong Kong, PATA 2006-2007 Chairman Mr Richard Beere thanked the hosts and welcomed delegates to Hong Kong for a sold out PATA Travel Mart 2006.
He said: “On behalf of the Association, I would like to thank the Hong Kong Tourism Board for being our generous host in 2006; thank Cathay Pacific and supporting airlines for flying many of us here; and thank our many other sponsors and supporters, including the exciting Ocean Park Hong Kong.”
Hong Kong SAR Commissioner for Tourism Ms Au King-chi, HKTB Chairman The Hon Mrs Selina Chow and Ocean Park Hong Kong Chairman Mr Allan Zeman also formally welcomed PATA members and the global travel trade to the Special Administrative Region.
Ms Au welcomed the delegates from around the world, wishing them a fruitful and enjoyable stay. “By bringing together more than 1,000 influential travel trade players from over 50 countries and places, PATA Travel Mart 2006 presents an invaluable opportunity for Hong Kong to showcase our strengths as a host city for major international exhibitions and conventions,” she said.
Mr Beere said it was no surprise to find “PATA’s premier event” being held in Hong Kong. He cited PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre statistics showing Hong Kong’s average annual growth in arrivals of more than 14% since 2001, which is more than double the 6% annual growth enjoyed by Asia Pacific as a whole.
“And in 2006, this significant out-performance continues,” he said. “Up to July, Hong Kong has enjoyed more than 10% growth compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific as a whole has enjoyed rock solid year-to-date growth in arrivals of about 5%.”
Mr Beere said: “Hong Kong’s tourism success story is a case study in Asia Pacific’s success: An infectious dynamism; exciting culture and heritage; superb natural assets; state-of-the-art infrastructure; brand new attractions; proximity to the world’s largest growth markets; world-class air, cruise and hospitality service levels; and last, but not least, innovative destination marketing.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony signalling the commencement of business negotiations between buyers and sellers took place at 1045 this morning at AsiaWorld-Expo. Representatives of the host destination Hong Kong, official airline Cathay Pacific and PATA, including 2004-2006 PTM Advisory Committee Chairman Mr Hiran Cooray, attended.
PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong announced official PTM06 delegate numbers during a press conference following a VIP tour of the Mart. Mr de Jong revealed that PTM06 opened 13% larger than PTM05 in Kuala Lumpur, with a total built-up floor space of 4,076 square metres (sq m).
The press conference also involved HKTB’s Mrs Chow and Cathay Pacific Airways Director Sales and Marketing Mr James Barrington.
Mrs Chow paid tribute to the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, which ensured the success of PTM. “Hosting an event of this magnitude would not have been possible without the wonderful support and co-operation from our travel trade partners and the strong commitment of our Government,” she said.
“I should like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone concerned. I also want to thank the Host Committee for their support and advice,” Mrs Chow added.
Mr Barrington said: “Cathay Pacific has long been a supporter of PATA and, in our 60th anniversary year, we are delighted to act as official airline for this year`s Travel Mart, which brings thousands of delegates to our home city to promote something very close to our heart – travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.”
He added: “Air travel plays a vital role in the modern tourism industry. At Cathay Pacific we have been working to build a network that can take advantage of the superb Hong Kong hub to carry more people to more destinations.”
Both Chairman Beere and Mr de Jong cited PATA’s continued successful repositioning of the Mart and strong strategic support from Hong Kong Tourism Board and official airline Cathay Pacific as major contributors to PTM’s success.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
