|
In this issue:
PTM backing from CNTA Chairman
There’s an impressive line-up of buyers and sellers attending PATA Travel Mart 2009 in Hangzhou China (PRC). The travel and tourism industry is recognising the value of participating in the region’s premier contracting and business networking event – with the numbers of buyers now registered for PTM up by an impressive 70 per-cent compared to the same period in 2008.
“We are also very impressed with the quality of our sellers for PTM 2009 with over 50 percent of available floor space now booked,” says PATA Events Director Sheila Leong. “It’s clear that we’ve made the right decision in staging this year’s Mart in Hangzhou. We’re enjoying fantastic support from our hosts in this beautiful city and we are also very fortunate to have the backing of the China National Tourism Administration.”
CNTA Chairman Shao Qiwei (pictured) has affirmed his commitment to strengthening collaborative ties with PATA to ‘facilitate prosperous tourism development in the region’. The CNTA has also called upon all 31 provinces across the PRC to join their participation in this year’s PATA Travel Mart.
For the updated buyer list – click here.
To register as a Seller, click here to download a Seller Registration application form.
TOP
Hanging out in Hangzhou
Hangzhou, described as ‘the most beautiful and elegant city in the world’ by Italian explorer Marco Polo, is one of the country’s most renowned and prosperous cities. As an economic powerhouse Hangzhou's economy has rapidly developed since its opening up in 1992. It is an industrial city with many diverse sectors such as light industry, agriculture and textiles. It is also considered an important manufacturing base and logistics hub for coastal China. Hangzhou is also well-known for its beautiful natural scenery, with the West Lake its best-known attraction.
Getting to PTM 2009 just couldn’t be easier. There is direct air access to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport from major Chinese cities in the mainland and nearby gateways such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Osaka, Seoul, Tokyo and Pusan.
For registered delegates using Shanghai as a gateway, seamless door-to-door airport transfers from Shanghai International Pudong Airport, just a three-hour drive away, are provided.
TOP
Seller testimonials
“The Marshall Islands Visitors Authority is participating at PTM because we realise the impact this event will have on tourism in our islands and also because we wanted to utilise this benefit that we have as a member of PATA. We hope to come out of this meeting with potential buyers from different areas in Asia, the Americas, Australia, NZ and Europe,” says Dolores Kattil, General Manager - Marshall Islands Visitors Authority. “Our main priorities are to increase local awareness in tourism, training activities, increase visitor numbers and increased foreign and local investment in tourism.”
“We’re building Zendai Hotel Yin and Zendai Art Hotel to be a modern, Chinese hotel brand. But first we need to create market awareness for our hotels and educate people about what our product is and what we represent. Meeting potential clients is a priority and we believe PATA Travel Mart can help,” says David Guo, Director of Sales & Marketing - Zendai Art Hotel, China (PRC).
TOP
Thanks to our sponsors
PATA is extremely grateful to its sponsors and partners for their very kind and generous support at PTM 2009. PATA Premier Partners Amadeus and CNN recognise the value of participating in this premier travel trade event by providing very practical and meaningful sponsorship. PATA is also very fortunate to have substantial support and backing from the Macau Government Tourist Office. This year the MGTO is the proud sponsor of the PATA Gold Awards Lunch and PTM2010 Invitation Reception dinner.
TOP
Buyer testimonials
“I’m attending PTM 2009 to meet other tour/travel agents from across China and to share ideas”, says Rosemary Kaittany, Managing Director, African Touch Safaris Ltd. “I need to ensure that my business remains afloat during the global recession and to increase sales turnover on outbound travel from the east African region and inbound travel from various destinations including Asia.”
“We believe in supporting PATA. The PATA Travel Mart has always been a productive event for us. We are a small independent specialist boutique travel operator and we find that PTM is an ideal way to market and also find new travel companies and hotels/resorts. We expect to increase our exposure in the travel market place across India and Asia - our important outbound markets”, says Stuart Miller, Complete India & Asia. “Hangzhou seems to be a very nice city and I believe that the city will put on a wonderful welcome for all delegates. We are looking forward to our visit and to also visiting new parts of China such as Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang.”
TOP
Five things you never knew about Hangzhou
-
Hangzhou is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty and is often described one of the most beautiful cities in China. Despite urban developments it retains its historical and cultural heritage
-
The ‘city flower’ is Sweet Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) also known as Sweet Olive, Tea Olive and Fragrant Olive. It is an evergreen shrub that may grow as tall as 12 metres
-
Hangzhou lies at the southern end of China's Grand Canal.The canal evolved over many centuries but reached its full length by the year 609
-
Hangzhou was the capital of the Wuyue Kingdom from 907 to 978 during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Named Xifu at the time, it was one of the three it was one of the three great centres of culture in southern China during the tenth century, along with Nanjing and Chengdu
-
Famous Hangzhou dishes include West Lake sour fish, beggar's chicken and fish head with bean curd
TOP
Getting more exposure
Public and private sector travel and tourism organisations wishing to increase exposure at PTM 2009 are encouraged to email Events Director Sheila Leong at ptm@PATA.org to discuss tailor-made sponsorship opportunities.
TOP
Tours at Hangzhou
There’s more good news for all delegates attending PATA Travel Mart in Hangzhou this September with the Hangzhou Tourism Commission confirming that it is to host two complimentary half day tours.
Highlights of the ‘Classic tour’ include a visit to Lingyin Temple (largest in southeast China) and a cruise of the famous West Lake. The ‘New image of Hangzhou tour’ features a tour of Xixi national wetland park and an opportunity to bargain with local shopkeepers in the city's well-known Qinghe Lane.
To book your seat for these tours, click here.
TOP |
