Annual PATA 2004 Conference To Highlight Potential Of Jeju

The 53rd PATA Annual Conference will kick off at the Jeju World Cup Stadium on April 18, with dinner, live performances by regional and local artist’s and fireworks, hosted by the Korea National Tourism Organisation (KNTO) and the Jeju Provincial Government. The KNTO put forward Jeju Island as the venue for several reasons: to promote attractions and regions beyond the capital, to avoid traffic congestion in Seoul, and to offer lower tour and hotel rates. However, the biggest benefits of the Conference will accrue to Jeju Province. Although conferred Free Trade City status in February 2002, Jeju is still relatively unknown outside of Korea. The 53rd PATA Annual Conference provides a great opportunity for Jeju to expand its travel trade activities. Jeju is trying to emulate Bali, the popularity for which soared after it hosted the 40th PATA Annual Conference in 1991.

Says PATA president and CEO, Peter de Jong, "The annual conference appropriately themed ‘Tourism is Everybody's Business’, is an opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to consolidate the unity and resolve that came to the fore to great effect during last year's 52nd PATA Annual Conference in Indonesia. There are so many issues threatening the well-being of our industry, and it is our responsibility to work together on strategies to protect it."