PATA 60th anniversary and conference is 2011’s must-attend event

BANGKOK, Thailand – PATA’s 60th Anniversary and Conference promises to be the most exciting event of the 2011 tourism calendar. Marking the return of the PATA Annual Conference, as well as a celebration of six decades of building tourism, it is a must-attend event for anyone concerned with the future development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region – the world’s fastest-growing destination.

Taking place at the China World Hotel, Beijing, from April 9-12, 2011, the conference program will address some of the biggest issues facing travel and tourism executives. Said Hiran Cooray, chairman, PATA: “From the exciting possibilities offered by space tourism to the more down-to-earth challenges of changing demographics, distribution, and responsible tourism, discussions will be led by renowned experts in their field.”

Confirmed speakers include Eric Anderson, chairman, Space Adventures; Robert Broadfoot, founder and managing director, Political and Economic Risk Consultancy; Amitabh Kant, managing director, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor; David Scowsill, president and CEO, WTTC; Justin Francis, chief executive and co-founder, responsibletravel.com; Clint Laurent, owner and founder, Global Demographics; Min Fan, CEO, Ctrip; Azran Osman-Rani, CEO, Air Asia X; Ray Hammond, futurist and author. The sessions will be moderated by CNN anchor Richard Quest and Time magazine’s Liam Fitzpatrick.

Bringing together PATA members and tourism professionals from across all sectors of the industry, the event promises unrivaled networking opportunities. “It will be just like the old days – a meeting of hearts and minds among the Who’s Who of Asia Pacific travel and tourism,” said Darren Ng, managing director, TTG Asia Media, PATA’s official travel trade partner for the event.

The PATA annual conference has returned to Beijing after 1997 and offers delegates the chance to revisit this incredible country and witness the phenomenal development that has taken place within China’s travel and tourism industry.

Said Ross Jackson, head, Cross Border – International, Visa: “The conference in Beijing this April will not only celebrate PATA’s many achievements and the economic importance of tourism around the world but more importantly, it is another milestone that recognizes the significance of China on the world travel and tourism stage.”

Chuck Gee, PATA Life Member and confirmed delegate concurred: “The last time Beijing hosted the PATA Annual Conference, it made a deep impression on every single delegate. With Beijing as host, I expect we will be just as impressed by what we learn and experience this time around.”

For more information on PATA’s 60th anniversary, or to register for the 60th Anniversary and Conference, visit: www.pata60.org .