On behalf of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), it is my great privilege to invite you to the 53rd PATA Annual Conference. PATA Annual Conference has always been the leading annual convention of top-level international travel and tourism decision-makers. The 53rd such event, in Jeju Island, Korea (ROK) will continue this great tradition, offering you an opportunity to network and learn more about our very dynamic industry.
The 52nd PATA Annual Conference, April 13-17, 2003 attracted 971 delegates from 42 countries. The turnout in Bali, Indonesia was incredible considering the multiple crises that befell the industry in the six months leading up to the Conference. The success of the Conference in Bali was symbolically important for Pacific Asia travel and tourism and made it one of the most important events that PATA has ever undertaken.
As business climbs back to normal levels, we should look forward to 2004 with renewed confidence. We should also look to the 53rd PATA Annual Conference to build upon the challenging lessons our industry has had to learn in the last two years. For travel and tourism to grow and mature, we -- the industry's leaders -- must take the lessons learned and cast them into plans and strategies for the future.
One realistic claim our industry can make, after all it has been through, is the fact that "Tourism is Everybody's Business" -- the assertive theme for PATA Annual Conference 2004. The Conference programme will address the reasons why everybody has a stake in tourism, no matter what their goals are: economic, social, financial, environmental, cultural and political …
Join PATA on beautiful Jeju Island, Korea (ROK) in April 2004 for a meticulously professional and focused programme about travel and tourism - everybody's business. PATA will update you about exciting Conference developments such as speakers, topics, tours and social functions in the coming months.
I look forward to meeting you at the 53rd PATA Annual Conference, April 18-22, 2004 in Jeju, Korea (ROK).
Peter de Jong
President and CEO
PATA