ASIA PACIFIC. Some 1,141 delegates representing Asia Pacific’s travel and tourism industry have gathered at the 55th Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Conference in Pattaya, Thailand, to discuss the theme “Changing Lifestyles – New Opportunities.”
Opening speakers said the convergence of economic, demographic and cultural trends – accelerated by the growth of travel-specific technology and new media – would continue to revolutionise the travel industry.
In his opening keynote address Banyan Tree Group Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping identified three driving forces, namely ageing baby boomers, the rise of the urban middle class in China and India, and “the fact that travel aspirations are becoming almost a human need”.
“Accelerating this process is technology,” he said, “both travel-specific technology, such as the introduction of newer and cheaper aircraft, and even seemingly unrelated technologies.”
The convergence of the Internet, telephone and television in a digital ‘triple play’ and the increasing power of technology would shape the change in ways the industry cannot yet imagine.
Ho explained: “For example, the velocity of information transfer, the “˜death of distance’ and the ability to reach out to consumers all over the globe – all consequences of digital convergence – is empowering everyone in the travel industry.
“On the other hand, our customers are also empowered with a plethora of choice and information. The consumer experience, the tourist experience, now begins long before they get on the plane.”
In the conference’s inaugural address, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Suwat Liptapanlop said that Thailand was fully committed to expanding its tourism industry based on the principles of innovation, the enhancement of human skills and collaboration with all stakeholders.
PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre Director John Koldowski put the speakers’ remarks in context. “Over 330 million international arrivals visited Asia Pacific destinations in 2005, the second consecutive year a new record has been reached,” he said.
“Much of the growth in demand is being fuelled by strong national economic performances in Asia Pacific, deregulation in aviation, and the growth in low-cost carriers and special price deals, many of them booked on the Internet.”
The 55th PATA Annual Conference runs until April 26. For details visit www.pata.org
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