SARS Apparently No Bar to PATA

(4/5/2003)

Mr. Setyanto P. Santosa, the Head of the Body for the Promotion of Culture and Tourism (BPBudpar), said that the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Conference to be held in Bali April 14-17, 2003 will go ahead despite the current SAR crisis.

Insisting there were no plans to postpone or cancel the conference of top tourism leaders from the Asia Pacific, Mr. Setyanto was quoted in the Indonesian-language Bali Post as saying, "We have received a confirmation form the head office of PATA in Bangkok that there will be no postponement."

Currently 742 people representing 41 countries have registered to attend the Conference. Mr. Setyanto predicted that any "fallout" in registrations connected with the SARS scare will not result in more than a maximum 10% cancellations.

Many of the delegates who traditionally participate in the annual PATA Conference originate from nations worst affected by the SARS epidemic, including Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Taiwan.

The PATA Conference taking place in Bali will be the 52^nd annual gathering of the association dedicated to the promotion and development of travel within the entire Asia-Pacific region.