"I've recently signed up to your emails and they're really great. The reason I signed up is because Bali is one of the places I've considered getting married in."
Nusa Dua to Host Amateur Tournament to Raise Funds For Bali's Handicapped Children.
Now in its 15th season, The Nusa Dua Rotary Club is once again sponsoring the Rotary Tennis Tournament to assist handicapped children in Bali suffering from facial deformities.
Dating from 1992, the Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua Charity Tennis Tournament has successfully raised over Rp. 300.000.000,- (approximately US$32,260) for handicapped children throughout Bali, helping the recipients lead more productive lives.
Play over the course of the week-long tournament will be in a 16 divisions, including junior & open; men's amateur; women's amateur, mixed doubles, seniors and team play.
The emphasis, as in the past, will be on fellowship and fun with many door prizes and auctions taking place.
Sponsors are supporting prizes for the event as well as using the event as an opportunity to make direct cash contributions for the charity fund that provides medical treatment, surgeries and educational support to Bali's handicapped children.
Players from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, England, Germany, Italy, Holland, Philippines, France, Argentina, Serbia & Montenegro, and the USA participated in last years tournament. All in all about 250 players are expected to compete in this year's event.
For more information, contact the Tournament Director, Jimmy Roland via the e-mail link provided.
After 'Misplacing' 145 Passengers and Crew for Nearly Four Hours, Government Administers Sanctions on Indonesian Budget Carrier.
As reported on balidiscovery.com [See: Adam Air Offers Surprise Bonus Destinations], Indonesian budget carrier Adam Air raised fundamental questions on the safety of civil aviation and the integrity of Indonesian air space when it managed to "lose," for nearly four hours, a Boeing 737-300 and its entire complement of 145 passengers and crew on Saturday, February 11, 2006. During a routine flight from Jakarta to Makassar, the pilot lost both radio and navigation capabilities, eventually landing his aircraft on the distant island of Sumba, some 900 miles away from his original destination.
As a result, Indonesia's Minister of Transportation, Hatta Rajasa, issued an order mandating the replacement of 3 Adam Air Directors, stopping short of revoking the operating licenses of the fast-growing airline. The three director fired by the Airline held direct operational responsibilities in technical and safety areas of Adam Air.
No announcement has yet been made regarding the professional fate of the plane's pilot. In a separate case, the Directorate General of Air Transportation, however, did revoke the flight license of a Batavia Air Captain who skidded off a runway in Borneo last week, pending a full safety review of the incident.
Full Speed Ahead for Adam Air
Undeterred by recent events, Adam Air confirmed last week an order for 30 Airbus 320 airplanes worth a total nearing US$2 billion. The aircraft, due to begin arriving into the Airline's fleet in 2007, will be used to replace Adam Air's aging collection of Boeing 737s and allow a expansion of flight routes both domestically and internationally.
Clean Your Plates and Your Island
Tickets Now on Sale for Gourmet Charity Evening in Ubud on Saturday, March 25, 2006 to Keep Temesi Recycling Center Operating.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
~ Margaret Mead ~
American Anthropologist, Bali expatriate 1936-1939
A charity fund-raising dinner will be held at the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud on Saturday, March 25, 2006 in aid of the Temesi Recycling Center in Gianyar.
Temesi Recycling Center
With start-up funding provided by the Rotary Club of Ubud, the pilot project Temesi Recycling Center has demonstrated its ability to effectively recycle a daily load of 30 tons of waste and rubbish – an amount equal to just 15% of the total estimated waste generated by the 420,000 inhabitants of Bali's Gianyar Regency. Through careful handling, including controlling the temperature and forced aeration, noxious waste is rendered into valuable compost, anaerobic digest and silage. In fact, 90% of the waste sent to the Center is recycled leaving only a scant 10% for landfill disposal. Perhaps best of all, dangerous green house gasses are reduced significantly through the innovative waste handling procedures now underway at the Temesi pilot project.
Because of the initial funding support from a local Rotary Club, the Temesi Recycling Center has demonstrated its viability for expanded operations with efforts now underway to seek the additional US$210,000 needed to bring the project to full capacity. While negotiations are underway to secure major funding, including possible support under the Kyoto Protocols, the Center is in immediate and quite urgent need of bridging funding to allow it to continue to operate.
Your Chance to Help
To help raise the needed funds to keep the Temesi Recycling Center operating, two of Ubud's most energetic resort managers – Liv Gussing of the Amandari Resort and Amanda Pummer of the ALila Ubud, have joined forces with the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud to organize a memorable evening of critical importance to keeping the recycling center in operation.
Commencing at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2006, a maximum of some 100 contributors will enjoy champagne and canapés before sitting down to a sumptuous 5-course gourmet dinner with select wines prepared by 4 of Bali's leading chefs from the Amandari, Alila, The Legian and The Mozaic Restaurant.
The US$200 cost per person for the evening covers the cost of the evening's dinner and wine, musical entertainments and sponsored gifts to a value of US$200 given by local supporters. During the course of the evening discrete auctions of quality services and merchandise plus prize give-aways to lucky contributors are planned.
Again, the number of seats are limited for this rarified evening of excellent dining prepared by three of Bali's leading culinary maestros. Therefore early reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
• Date: Saturday, March 25, 2006
• Place: Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud
• Time: Cocktails commence at 6:00 p.m. followed by five-course dinner with select wines.
• Price: US$200 per person.
• Bookings: Telephone reservations can be made with Amanda Pummer at ALila Ubud at telephone ++62-(0)361-975963 or via the e-mail link provided.
Bali Village to Showcase Island During Visit to ITB-Berlin and German Road Show February 28 – March 7, 2006.
Bali Village - a stakeholding organization within the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) comprised of over 200 member Bali hotels, destination management companies and local attractions and charged with promoting the Island, is moving ahead with plans for the 2nd German Road show set to take place prior to the world's largest travel and trade show - ITB Berlin. The road show across Germany, conducted by 16 Bali tourism companies between February 28 and March 7, 2006, will occur before the participants continue on to ITB in Berlin March 8-12, 2006.
The Chairman of Bali Village, Ngurah Wijaya, said: "It is the responsibility of all tourism sectors to gear up and do everything they can to bring tourism back to Bali. . . . That's why we are meeting with our tourism counterparts in Germany in order to explain the current situation in Bali to the German community directly. Without conducting marketing activities and undertaking efforts to entice visitors to return and explain the current situation, it will be quite difficult for tourism to return to its former glory days. This is one of the main concerns of Bali Village as an association, which is to bring the tourism industry together, to speak with a unified voice and explain the genuine conditions prevailing in our destination to our travel partners across the world."
The German Road Show
The 16 Bali-based travel companies will conduct "table-top" presentations on Bali and their individual products during a "road show" exhibition keeping the following schedule:
• February 28, 2006 – Frankfurt:Arabella Sheraton starting from 5:00 p.m..
• March 3, 2006 – Stuttgart:Steigenberger Hotel starting from 5:00 p.m..
• March 6, 2006 – Hamburg:Le Royal Meridien starting from 5:00 p.m..
On to ITB-Berlin
Following the three city tour the 16 "road show" participants will then head for ITB-Berlin where they will join 30 more Bali tourism companies participating at the Indonesian Pavilion located in Hall 26B at Messe Berlin.
The 40th consecutive year that the ITB-Berlin will be conducted, the event is widely considered to be the biggest travel event of its kind. In 2005 some 10,409 exhibitors, 142,351 visitors and 7.825 journalists attended the ITB.
During the course of the "Road Show" and ITB-Berlin the Bali delegates will be seeking out every opportunity to meet with both their tourism counterparts in Europe and members of the international press to tell them of Bali's recently revamped comprehensive approach to security and of the many major events planned for Bali over the coming 12 months.
Again, in the words of Bali Village Chairman, Ngurah Wijaya: "Confidence to conduct various international and prestigious events is there, it is now a matter of inviting holidaymakers to return to Bali and share the spectacular art, culture, traditions, events, scenic landscapes and natural beauty of Bali that remains unchanged. The people are still the Balinese people; a friendly community that welcomes foreigners from all over the globe with open hearts and a heartfelt welcome."
The Bali Village Press Conference in Hamburg
Over 50 leading journalists have been invited to attend a special Bali Village Press Conference scheduled to take place at the Le Royal Meridien Hotel in Hamburg on March 6, 2006. Beginning at 3:45 p.m., the press conference will include appearances by the Director of the Bali Tourism Auithority Gede Nurjaya and the Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board Bagus Sudibya.
Bali Tour Operator Palmmas Holidays Hosts Malaysian Travel Agents and Press on Four Day Bali Tour.
Palmmas Holidays, working in cooperation with Malaysia Airlines, recently organized a familiarization trip for nine tour operators from Malaysia and fifteen journalists from Malaysia and Europe for a four day visit in Bali between February 20-24, 2006.
During their visit, twenty-four leading tour operators and journalists from Malaysian were accompanied by Malaysia Airlines executives from both the Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar offices of the Airline. During their visit the Malaysians met with Bali's Chief of Police, the Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board (BTB), the Director of Bali Tourism Authority, and the Malaysian Consul in Bali during a press Conference to be held at the Bali Dynasty Resort on February 21, 2006.
On their final evening in Bali the group met with a representative of Sanur Foundation who provided a presentation on the village-level action steps for enhanced security that have been introduced in the seaside community.
Dody Herman, Business Development Manager of Palmmas Holidays explained, "We have initiated this move to revive the number of arrivals into Bali and thus we have put forth such a relevant itinerary where the group is able to discuss first hand with the various authorities and see for themselves the numerous tourism attractions available in Bali," He added, "Furthermore, we want to highlight how Malaysia Airlines has a truly timely connection from Europe, which has been a traditional market for Bali. This has really made Bali such an easy destination for the Europeans."
During their Bali tour the Malaysian group of travel professionals and press also visited Kintamani and Ubud, sampled hotels in various locations across the island, and enjoyed an evening cruise with Bali Hai Cruises.
Over the past six years the Malaysian market to Bali has enjoyed an almost four-fold increase with 66,568 Malaysians calling on Bali in 2005.
150 Australian Agents to Visit Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia Says 'Time is Right' To Bring Australian Agents Back to Bali!
Garuda Indonesia believes that the time is right to proceed with its travel industry mega educational trip to Indonesia. The trip, themed "Faces of Indonesia," will depart from ports around Australia on or around 30 April and will return on or around 9 May.
As in the past, 150 top producing travel agents will be given the opportunity to come to know the many "faces" of Indonesia through a range of specially planned itineraries covering such destinations as Bali, Jogyakarta, Surabaya and Lombok. Each itinerary will feature a multitude of options showcasing familiar and lesser-known resort areas, attractions, tours and facilities.
In selecting those to join the trip. Garuda will give first preference to those travel agents who have already submitted an Expression of Interest but, to make allowances for changes in employment and other circumstances since these expressions were received, the offer is extended to all proven sellers of Bali and Indonesia who are keen to improve their destination knowledge.
In 2003 Garuda Indonesia inaugurated "Seeing is Believing" mass educational which was highly instrumental in rebuilding the Australian travel industry's confidence in Bali.
“We expect the 'Faces of Indonesia' mega education to produce a similar result as members of the industry take advantage of this opportunity to see for themselves the vast diversity of the country and come to know the positive 'face' of Indonesia," said Mr. Suranto Yitnopawiro, Regional Manager for South West Pacific.
Australian travel agent who wish to learn how to be part of this experience should contact their Garuda Indonesia sales executive or nearest Garuda sales office.
President Tries to Jumpstart Tourism
A Review of Presidential Instruction No. 16 of 2005 by Tuti Sunario of the Indonesian Digest.
As reported by Ibu Tuti Sunario, publisher of the authoritative Indonesia Digest:
Presidential Instruction to Support Growth of Tourism and Culture
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono attempted to jumpstart the recovery and turn-around of the Indonesian tourism sector with the issuance of Presidential Instruction no. 16 of 2005 on Policies related to Development of Culture and Tourism.
The Instruction, signed on December 29, 2005, called on Cabinet Ministers, Government Institutions, the Police, Governors, District Heads and Mayors to first, improve quality of public services to domestic and international tourists; secondly, accelerate the growth of culture and tourism with the aim to improve social welfare, create jobs, fight poverty and distribute development more equitably; thirdly proactively protect, develop and positively use natural and cultural resources in developing culture and tourism, and fourthly: use the theme "Indonesia Ultimate in Diversity" in all overseas promotions, and "Know your country, Love your country, let us explore Indonesia” in all domestic promotions."
The Instruction then continues to give specific instructions to 21 Ministers, two Heads of National Institutions, the Chief of Police and all Governors, District Heads and Mayors related to each in their purview of authority. A number of these are, among others to the:
• Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security to coordinate efforts in analyzing and determining social-cultural conditions in tourist areas to become more conducive for international visitors, in order that more nationalities may be issued Visas on Arrival.
• Minister for Home Affairs to review local bylaws that hamper the growth of culture and tourism; urge local governments to develop tourism development programs, and protect and maintain historical and archaeological sites.
• Minister of Finance to review regulations on import duties on such items for development of the culture and tourism industry; to provide facilities for the import of goods for development of marine tourism and green tourism, including the development of small islands along Indonesia's borders, for tourism purposes. The Minister to review outbound tax (fiskal) to passengers or groups planning to promote tourism overseas; study possibilities to provide tax refund in efforts to promote shopping tourism to Indonesia; and provide facilities to accelerate import and export of materials for conferences, incentive groups, and exhibitions (MICE).
• Minister for Law and Human Rights to study possibilities to increase the number of nationalities to be extended Visa on Arrival, and study to extend their length of stay and increase entry points for visitors.
• Foreign Minister to support promotion of the theme : Indonesia Ultimate in Diversity, and support the establishment of Indonesian cultural centers overseas.
• Minister for Public Works to support development of national access roads to tourism destinations; and determine potential tourism resorts.
• Minister for Transportation to (a) urge national airlines to offer flights to and from Indonesian tourist destinations; simplify permits for cruise ships; (c) increase bilateral cooperation with tourist generating countries; increase quality and capacity of airports.
• Minister for State Enterprises to urge Financial Institutions and Government Banks to develop special investment loans to support the growth of the cultural and tourism industry.
• The National Police to improve services to ensure the safety and security of tourists; enforce the law including those affecting foreign visitors, in particular regulations related to narcotics; and protect tourist areas from terrorist threats.
• Governors, District Heads and Majorsto compile a Tourism Development Master Plan; simplify and facilitate permits for culture and tourism development and simplify location permits for the shooting of films; furthermore, organize events staging local traditions, arts and culture.
• The Minister for Culture and Tourism to (a) provide complete information related to culture and tourism; (b) increase cooperation with Regions as well as improve international cooperation in efforts to support tourism promotion; (c) push development of priority destinations; and increase public awareness to protect and maintain cultural heritage sites and tourist attractions.
Can Indonesian Tourism Become More Competitive?
Oddly missing in this whole array of public authorities to whom instructions are issued, are instructions addressed to the Coordinating Minister for Public Welfare, under whose coordination is the Minister for Culture and Tourism, to coordinate culture and tourism development efforts. The question then remains, who or which authority is tasked to coordinate the implementation of actions. Will this be the President himself?
Also missing are instructions to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, to ensure that tourism development and national as well as regional policies are made in the framework of national and regional policies for economic growth, in order to make Indonesia a more competitive destination in the region and globally. This now missing, how can Indonesia hope to compete in this competitive age of globalization?
An obvious linkage of policies and actions that involve or mention the business sector and industry is also sorely missing, especially one which can provide incentives for business growth and the empowerment of the tourism industry.
Similarly, instructions to the Minister for Culture and Tourism are felt to need expansion to include a more active national leadership by the Department in order to improve Indonesia’s competitiveness vis-à-vis our neighbors in the region as well as globally. The Department should also provide a clear road map for regions, the business world and all stakeholders to follow, in order to concertedly develop the varied destinations of Indonesia.
In short, to this writer, a rather disappointing Presidential Instruction. However, officials promise that the Instruction will be followed up by more specific workable instructions.
Asked for his comments on the above Presidential Instruction, former Tourism and Telecommunication Minister, Joop Ave, said that although not yet ideal, the Presidential Instruction holds promises and has positively responded to some 50% of requests from the industry.
balidiscovery.com thanks Ibu Tuti Sunario for allowing permission to reprint this article from her most valuable newsletter.
Next Round of Bali Bombing Trials Expected to Commence Soon in Bali District Court.
Bali Police have formally sent local prosecutors the case files of three suspects in the October 1, 2006 terrorist bombings in Bali that resulted in the deaths of 23 people.
Prosecutors must now review the police files of the three accused, deciding if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial or if the cases go back to the police for further preparation. The case files now in the hands of Bali prosecutors are those of Muhammad Choilly, alias Yahya Anyono alias Hanif, 28 years from Malang in Java; Anif Zulchanudin alias "Pendek," 24 years; and Abdul Azis, 30 years. A fourth suspect, Widi Widianto alias Wiwid, 28 years, is expected to have his file forwarded to prosecutors in the coming days.
All four are expected to be charged with violation of Law #15 of 2003 on terrorism carrying a maximum sentence of execution by firing squad.
Various press report have cited Choilly as a man with close and frequent contact with terror masterminds Noordin M. Top and Dr. Azahari. Abdul Azis was reportedly investigated for his involvement in creating the web site Al Anshar inviting the public to participate in a "holy war"
; while Anif and Wiwid were reportedly young recruits being groomed for roles as suicide bombers.
Numerous other individuals suspected of playing a role in last October's bombing are being interrogated in Bali where additional prosecutions are expected to be announced.
Coming in June – the Bali Arts Festival
The 28th Annual Bali Arts Festival June 17 – July 15, 2006 Set to be an International Celebration of Dance, Art and Music.
The National News Agency Antara reports that at least 15 foreign art troupes are now signed up to take part in the 28th Annual Bali Arts Festival.
A spokesman for the event said he expected even more foreign artists would declare their interest in coming to Bali prior to the official start of the festival, representing a very significant increase form the mere 8 foreign performing groups that took part in the event in 2005.
Conceived and created 28 years ago by Bali's cultural visionary, then-Governor Ida Bagus Mantra, the Bali Arts Festival has grown to become a staple on the Island's cultural calendar. Night after night from June 17 through July 15, 2006, Bali's best gamelan orchestras, dance and drama groups, and visiting artists from overseas will take to the stage at various performance venues around Denpasar.
Among the countries that have registered to send art troupes to this year’s event include Japan, South Korea, the United States, Germany, Canada, Britain, India, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.
A word to the wise: Mark Your calendar now!
Garuda to Sell Off Aerowisata?
Garuda's Road to Recovery: Airline's Cash Crunch Becoming Increasingly Acute as Debt Deadlines Loom.
The Indonesian-language Bisnis Indonesia reports that Garuda Indonesia plans to sell off its airline catering subsidiary PT Aerowisata Catering Services and seek a strategic partner for the operation of its airline technical support company - Garuda Maintenance Facilities (GMF).
According to a document obtained by the Bisnis Indonesia, the Indonesian national airline also plans to spin-off its low cost domestic carrier Citilink, once a suitable foreign partner is secured.
Critical Times Ahead
Deeply in debt to European creditors, [See: Garuda Posts US$70.7 Million Loss for 2005
], the Airline is scrambling to reschedule debt payments and secure fresh capital injections. Should Garuda fail to secure enough cash to meet its obligations by a March 2006 deadline it faces the possibility of a cross default, being forced into bankruptcy by a creditor seeking relief via the courts, and a possible seizure of six Airbus A-330aircraft operated by Garuda but owned by the European Consortium holding the airline's debts.
On a wider
level, economic observers fear that the financial collapse of Garuda might have larger detrimental effects, including a lowering of Indonesia's world-wide credit rating and negative multiplier effects in other segments of the national economy.
Sources report that Garuda's management has prepared 6 separate options to address its current financial imbroglio for presentation to the Presidential Cabinet and National Parliament ranging from debt relief and a cash injection from the Government to the outright liquidation of the Company's assets in order to meet its debt obligations.
The Naked Truth
'Kemurnian' a Bali Exhibition of Recent Black & White Nude Photography by Rama Surya at Richard Meyer Culture.
Against the backdrop of an ongoing national debate regarding new Indonesian legislation threatening to restrict all artistic expressions involving the human form, renowned Indonesian photographer Rama Surya presents a bold statement via his exhibition "Kemurnian" at Richard Meyer Culture in Kerobokan through April 8, 2006.
Kemurnian
"Kemurnian" or "purity" described the subject matter of this collection of Rama Surya's photographs, primarily dealing with the male nude photographed in "natural settings, mostly in poses of supplication during Yoga" at various locations across Bali.
Photographed over a period of five years, the pictures presented also document a period of "cultural adjustment" during Surya's photographic exploration of Balinese culture. Originally from Sumatra, the photographer admits his initial revulsion when requested to make photos of Made Budhiana practicing Yoga in the nude. During the course of his photographic sojourn, however, Surya obtained an understanding of the sexual symbolism and an uninhabited earthiness endemic in Balinese culture and language.
Well documented in photographs records and travelers journals of Bali from the early 20th century – dances, dress and temples across the island openly extolled sensuality and fertility – natural qualities that have today somehow been tempered by a "prudishness" imported by colonial masters and, later, Javanese "visitors" with strong Islamic sensibilities.
Rama Surya
Active as a professional photographer since 1990, Sumatran-born Rama Surya's work appears regularly in leading photographic and art journals. He has produced a number of published photographic essays covering a wide range of subjects - including modern Indonesian society, the destruction caused by forest fires in Borneo, And Yogyakarta street society. The German fotoMagazine cited Surya as "photographer of the year" in 1997. Recent exhibitions include "Bali Living in Two Worlds" at the Museum der Kulturen, Basel, Switzerland in April 2002 and at the Museum for World Culture in Frankfurt, Germany in January 2004.
Richard Meyer Culture is open daily at Jalan Pettinenget 200x in Kerobokan. "Kemurnian" - an Exhibition of Recent Black & White Nude Photography by Rama Surya is open through April 8, 2006.
For more information, call ++62-(0)361-7745179.
Bali to Host PATA Travel Mart in 2007
Bali's Selection as Venue for Leading Travel Trade Exhibition Seen as International Vote of Confidence for Island.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) have announced that Bali has been selected as the location for one of the world's leading travel fairs and exhibitions. PATA Travel Mart 2007 (PTM) will take place at dates yet to be fixed in September/October 2007. Bali hosted PTM in 1985 and 1989 and the 53rd PATA Annual Conference in 2003. Jakarta hosted PATA’s Annual Conferences in 1963 and 1974.
Indonesia is Keen Host World-Class Travel Trade Event
Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, said: "Indonesian tourism is a proud member of PATA, having hosted numerous PATA events in the past. We are honored to be entrusted by the Association to host PATA Travel Mart in 2007. The event is instrumental to the ongoing recovery of the tourism industry in Bali and throughout the Indonesian Archipelago. I can personally assure each and every prospective delegate of a memorable and productive Pata Travel Mart in 2007."
Director General for Indonesian Culture and Tourism Marketing, Thamrin Bachri, has declared his intention to promote special interest tours - including golf, community-based tourism, eco-tourism, village tours and marine tourism at the 2007 Mart. The PATA Bali and Nusa Tenggara Chapter sees the successful bid as "a real breakthrough to boost flagging visitor arrivals to Bali."
Past Chapter Chairman and Bali Discovery Tours President Director, John M. Daniels said: "PATA's selection of Bali as the venue for PATA Travel Mart 2007 represents excellent timing. The event will bring top travel industry members from around the world to see first hand the enduring charms of our tropical island and the significant new investment made over the past few years."
Daniels, who is also Coordinator of the Communications and Publications Working Group for Bali Recovery, appointed by Bali`s Governor, added: "Bali's selection for the Mart is a tremendous vote of support by PATA and a wonderful opportunity for all of us on the Island to extend a warm and memorable welcome."
PATA President and CEO, Peter de Jong said: "For Indonesia, PTM07 is 'just what the doctor ordered' - a leading, global travel trade event to remind the travel trade that Bali, Indonesia is one of the world's great destinations."
De Jong said the Mart was going from "strength-to-strength," building on its successes of the past two years; Bangkok in 2004 and Kuala Lumpur in 2005. Registrations for PTM06 in Hong Kong are well ahead of schedule.
About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognized authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to dozens of PATA chapters worldwide.
PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Asia Pacific travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership. PATA is a not-for-profit organization.
