PATA CEO search well advanced

HYDERABAD, India (September 21, 2008) – Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) chair Janice Antonson today informed the PATA board of directors in Hyderabad, India that the organization had received a

HYDERABAD, India (September 21, 2008) – Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) chair Janice Antonson today informed the PATA board of directors in Hyderabad, India that the organization had received an exceptional field of candidates for the CEO position, highlighting the prestige of this post.

Ms. Antonson further advised the board that the field of candidates had been narrowed down to a select few, and that the successful candidate would be recommended to the board for approval in January 2009.

In light of this positive progress, president and CEO Peter de Jong requested that his departure date be reviewed and advanced to October 17, 2008 in order to take advantage of new professional opportunities. The executive committee appreciated and accepted Mr. de Jongโ€™s request.

Ms. Antonson praised Mr. de Jongโ€™s commitment to PATA, “During his seven years at the helm, Peter has worked tirelessly on behalf of PATA and its members. He guided Asia Pacificโ€™s leading travel trade association, a dynamic and influential voice of international tourism. We will miss his loyalty and professionalism.”

Mr. de Jong said, “It has been an honor to serve the diverse membership of PATA. Throughout my tenure, I have been fortunate to enjoy the support of our board of directors and the dedication of a superior staff. I leave with a genuine sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. These have been among the most rewarding years of my career – indeed, of my life.”

Antonson also announced that in order to best manage this short transition period, the associationโ€™s immediate past chairman Brian Deeson has been appointed interim CEO, effective in October and until the CEO selection process is completed.

“PATA has clear and onerous responsibilities to its members going forward in a rapidly changing world of travel and with global economic turmoil,” said Ms. Antonson. “That will require our full and undivided attention. Peter de Jong has positioned PATA at the forefront of industry leadership, and it is imperative that we maintain this momentum.”

ABOUT PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with PATA’s private- and public-sector members, it enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.

PATA provides leadership to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 international airlines and cruise lines and hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to more than 30 PATA chapters worldwide.

PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Center (SIC) offers unrivaled data and insights, including Asia Pacific inbound and outbound statistics, analyses and forecasts, as well as in-depth reports on strategic tourism markets.

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Linda Hohnholz

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