Manila to Host PATA Travel Mart 2012

Manila has been chosen as the host city of the PATA Travel Mart 2012.

Manila hosted the very first PATA Travel Mart back in 1978, when over 300 delegates assembled to experience one of Asia Pacific’s first regional industry trade events. After more than three decades PATA Travel Mart still remains one of Asia Pacific’s leading travel trade shows.

In the past, the Philippines has also hosted several key PATA events including the 29 PATA Annual Conference and Workshop in 1980; PATA Annual Board of Directors Meetings in 1989; the 47 PATA Annual Conference in 1998; the Chapter World Congress and the PATA Board of Directors Meeting in 2002.

 Alberto A Lim, secretary, Philippine Department of Tourism, said “The decision of the PATA Executive board to award this event to the Philippines is a strong indication of the region’s business confidence in the country. The forthcoming PTM2012 will give us the opportunity to showcase once again the beauty and culture of our country and the charm, warmth and hospitality of a friendly people, as well as the new tourism infrastructure in place since the last time we hosted a big PATA event in 1998. Our public and private sectors will now join hands to work for the success of PTM2012 for the sake of Philippine tourism as well as the entire Pacific Asia region.”

While the dates are yet to be confirmed, the event is scheduled to take place at the SMX Convention Center, one of the largest private venues in the Philippines and one of the flagship establishments of the country’s MICE industry.