REPORT FROM BERLIN: The Pacific Asia Travel Association revealed forecasts that show that…
REPORT FROM BERLIN: The Pacific Asia Travel Association revealed forecasts that show that every destination in the PATA region, including those that were affected by the December 26 quake and tsunami, is predicted to post positive arrivals growth to 2007.
In a soon-to-be-released forecasts report by PATA`s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC), growth is forecasted to range from 4.0% (Pakistan) to 20.9% (Malaysia). The overall growth forecast to 2007 for the PATA region is 10.6%. Extracts from Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2005-2007 are available in PDF format PATA website.
At the PATA@ITB Forum, March 11, PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong and PATA Director-SIC Mr John Koldowski presented current market trends, including the boom in low-cost carriers and the ongoing tourism impacts of the tsunami, as well as more detailed forecasts for the Asia Pacific region.
Mr Koldowski said: The global forces shaping our industry are relentless and continuous. We must be aware of these in order to position ourselves to maximise opportunity and minimise threat.
PATA at ITB: Tsunami-hit Destinations Want Travellers Now
PATA will continue to challenge the perceptions of some consumers. The perceptions were revealed by a recent survey on post-tsunami travel intentions indicating that 9% of potential travellers surveyed will not consider Asian destinations in 2005 due to the December 26, 2004 quake and tsunami.
According to the study, in some source markets a major reason for ruling out Asian destinations was the perceived inappropriateness in travelling to a place where people are coming to terms with tragedy.
Mr Koldowski said: The fact is many of these economies rely on tourism. The tragedy of December 26 would be exacerbated if these well-intentioned perceptions were not challenged.
PATA Vice President-Development Mr Peter Semone and PATA Regional Director-Europe Ms Marion Buttler will moderate a PATA open forum, March 14, to demonstrate that most tourism destinations affected by the December 26 tsunami are ready and waiting to welcome travellers back.
Panellists will include trade professionals from the affected region, Europe-based outbound tour operators and media representatives.
Later that day, Mr de Jong will speak at an International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) Board of Directors and Chains Council cocktail reception and dinner, March 14, at the Hilton Hotel Berlin.
Mr de Jong will join Jetwing Hotels Managing Director Mr Hiran Cooray and BBC World Fast Track Presenter Mr Akhtar Khan to report on the recovery of tsunami-affected destinations.
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