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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 19, 2005 – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)’s Strategic Intelligence Centre outlined the many potential threats facing the travel and tourism industry in Asia Pacific during a session of the 54th PATA Annual Conference, April 19.
Issues such as bird flu, terrorism, environmental degradation and the ability of infrastructure to handle one of the world’s fastest growing industries were only some of the issues identified in PATA’s Total Tourism Survey. More than 250 respondents to the ongoing survey identified bird flu as a greater potential threat than SARS. Respondents were worried about future terrorist activity, with the majority saying that governments should pay for security.
The survey investigates all the modern issues directly or indirectly facing the travel industry, among them: peace negotiations, terrorism, European Union expansion, a common Asian currency, bird flu, global warming, ageing populations, tourism as cultural protector or destroyer, the mass media's coverage of crises, the impact of travel advisories, distribution technology, aviation, human resource challenges, domestic and regional tourism growth and whether the industry is ready to handle a large volume of traffic from India and China (PRC).
PATA will announce the full results of the survey later this year.
Travel industry workers can fill out the survey by visiting www.PATA.org/ttsurvey.
Until April 21, journalists interested in the PATA Total Tourism Survey initial results can call (853) 6131037, or e-mail: communications@PATA.org.
ABOUT PATA Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognised 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 organisation.
Find out more about PATA at www.PATA.org.
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 19, 2005 – Panellists on the 54th PATA Annual Conference session “Windows on China”, April 19, including China National Tourism Administration Vice-Chairman Mr Gu Zhaoxi, agreed that the China (PRC) and Japan governments needed to initiate reconciliation between the two countries, in the wake of anti-Japanese demonstrations in China (PRC). Despite panellists’ assurances that Japanese individuals were safe in China (PRC), Japanese travellers have been cancelling their trips out of fear for their safety. China International Travel Service Executive Vice President Mr Yao Yeucan said tourism was an important tool for resolving this issue. Mr Yao cited statistics showing the tremendous growth in Chinese tourism. In 2004, Chinese tourism revenue was US$82 billion, an increase of 40.1% over 2003. From 1996 to 2004, annual average tourism revenue growth was 12.5%, more than 1.5 times faster than growth in the Chinese economy as a whole. Mr Yao said China (PRC) was also the world’s biggest emerging market for outbound tourism and is now the largest tourism-generating country in Asia. “By 2020, China will be the number one tourism-generating country in the world,” he said. Average spend for outbound Chinese travellers in Europe is US$175 per person per day, which is three times more than what Japanese travellers spend in Australia, according to Mr Yao. He identified two potential niche markets for China (PRC) outbound: student travel and cruising. MK Corporation Chairman Mr Peter Wong noted that on top of the enormous opportunities for both inbound and outbound tourism, there were 840 million domestic trips taken in 2004. However, he said the Chinese government needed to allow more input from travel agents, hotels, industry partners and other tourism stakeholders, as most tourism-related establishments are government owned. The potential for destination development would be better realised in partnership with private stakeholders, he said. Accor Greater China Senior Vice President Mr Brian Deeson said there was big growth potential in the 5-star and 3-star accommodation markets within China (PRC) as well as an important emerging market for Chinese outbound travellers. Five years ago, Accor concentrated on the Japanese market. Now its focus is the Chinese market. And to cater to Chinese outbound travellers, hoteliers have to offer the right products and services, such as Chinese breakfasts. The session was moderated by CNN Talk Asia’s Ms Lorraine Hahn. ABOUT PATA Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognised 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 organisation. Find out more about PATA at www.PATA.org.
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Panel: Moderator: Lorraine Hahn – CNN ‘s Talk Asia
Brian Deeson – Accor Hotels & Resorts
Mr Gu Zhaoxi – Vice-Chairman CNTA
Mr Yao Yeucan – Executive VP – China Int Travel service – Head Office
Mr Peter Wong – BBS JP – Chairman MK Corporation Ltdx Initial address by Mr Yao giving background and statistics on tremendous growth in China tourism in domestic, inbound and outbound areas and how this affects infrastructure, development and investment. 2004 – China tourism revenue US$82 billion – up 40.1% 1996 – 2004 – total tourism revenue growth on average at 12.5% - more than 1.5 times China’s GDP. TTG Asia voted China as the best tourism destination at beginning of this year. China is the biggest emerging market for outbound tourism in the world and now largest tourist generating country in Asia. By 2020 – China will be the number one tourism generating country. Peter Wong: China is experiencing double digit growth annually – averaging at 15%. Domestic travel was 840 million in 2004. Enormous opportunities for both inbound and outbound tourism . Rapid change in internal infrastructure improvements and enhancements. China Governments needs to allow more input from travel agents, hotels, and industry partners and tourism stakeholder enterprises. Most establishments are government owned. Lots of potential for destination development from hotels and other tourism partners. Mr Yao:
2003 – over 5000 hotels in China – 266 airline routes. Unique attractions and monuments – eg Great Wall, Terracotta warriors etc. Average spend for outbound Chinese travelers in Europe is US$175 per perdon per day – they are spending three times more than the Japanese in Australia. Also seeing new developments in society as Chinese are now sending their children overseas for education. Visa continues to be a barrier for Chinese to travel. Development of the cruise industry for outbound travelers as Chinese was to discover new tourism experiences. Brian Deeson:
So much opportunity in China market for inbound, outbound and domestic – very exciting market. Big growth in the 5 star market and also the 3 star market to cater for the domestic traveler. Big growth in outbound marketing – careering to the Chinese market overseas for their needs – ie Chinese breakfast. Five years ago they concentrated on the Japanese market – now this is eclipsed by the Chinese market. Lorraine Hahn – question re the recent anti Japanese protests. It was agreed by the panel that resolution is needed at Japanese leadership level to be resolve this issue to a void long term affect on the economy and that this has to be separated from the public as it is not their issue and that Japanese tourists are very welcome in China and not at risk. Mr Yao also added that tourism is a way to make friends and clear misunderstandings and is an important tool for resolving this issue.
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In order to strengthen local capacity in responding to influenza vaccine and influenza pandemic, the Department of Health has established an influenza virological surveillance system in 2004. This system has currently joined the global influenza surveillance network set up by World Health Organization (WHO) and also established a collaboration relationship with the WHO Collaborating Center For Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia. The influenza virus isolated and preliminarily verified by the Virology Department of Public Health Laboratory of the Department of Health will be sent to that center for further verification. Macao influenza virus surveillance result indicates that among the influenza virus isolates found in the winter of 2004-2005, a majority of them are H1N1 New Caledonia subtype viruses which were not found in the same period of 2003-2004; this may be the underlying reason for the severe influenza situation in this winter; and the detected H3N2 virus is of California subtype. Since every influenza epidemic is caused by different virus, WHO has to formulate the composition of the influenza vaccine annually with reference to the global influenza situation of the previous year. In Macao, the annual peak period of influenza is from January to March. The Department of Health usually purchases the latest influenza vaccine in the second half of the year, which will then be used for public vaccination between September to December. For those who need such vaccination should have it during this period and should repeat the vaccination annually to ensure effective prevention. In response to the recent enquiries about vaccination for influenza pandemic, the Department of Health would like to clarify that influenza pandemic is different from the influenza happened throughout the year. An influenza pandemic occurs with the appearance of a new influenza virus that can cause highly effective human-to-human transmission. As the virus that can cause an influenza pandemic cannot be predicted, effective vaccine cannot be produced and stored before the pandemic takes place. The Department of Health urges the public to take the following precautionary measures to keep good health: Preventive measures on Influenza Observe good personal hygiene, wash hands frequently to keep both hands clean, especially when hands are contaminated by secretions from mouth and nose;
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, handle secretions from mouth and nose properly;
Avoid going to overcrowded and badly ventilated places;
Maintain a balanced diet, drink sufficient water, exercise regularly and have adequate rest, avoid over-working and smoking, so as to increase resistance against diseases;
When having fever and respiratory symptoms, in particular for children, elderly people and patients with chronic diseases, should put on a mask and seek medical treatment immediately.
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 18, 2005 – International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General and CEO Mr Giovanni Bisignani, in his keynote address at the 54th PATA Annual Conference, told delegates that air transport has to become a “low cost industry”. Citing continued rising oil prices and increased consumer demand for inexpensive travel options, Mr Bisignani predicted US$5.5 billion worth of losses for the airline industry in 2005. “It has never been cheaper to travel. And it has never been as safe,” said the IATA chief, noting that 2004 was the safest year ever for aviation. “More people than ever are flying … but we have never lost as much money.” According to IATA, the global airline industry has lost US$36 billion between 2001 and 2004. Mr Bisignani outlined IATA’s agenda for change within the airline industry: “[Change] begins at home with airlines simplifying their businesses to deliver value without the costs of complexity. Then we ask our airport partners to be dedicated to cost efficiency and to preserve fair competition. On monopolistic tactics employed by some airports, Mr Bisignani said: “We can’t support a part of the value chain that has a license to print money. The cost of inefficient infrastructure gets passed through the value chain to our common customer.” Mr Bisignani said that governments must “re-think the way that they tax the industry and give us the freedom to run our businesses as businesses”. On European proposals to add a tax to air travel to pay for developing nation debt, Mr Bisignani said: “This is a serious problem. Making travel more expensive will do more harm than good in the developing world.” In the spirit of the 54th PATA Annual Conference theme ‘Connecting Tourism’s Stakeholders’, the IATA boss said that industry stakeholders must learn to cooperate and communicate better. Mr Bisignani challenged IATA and PATA to join forces and bring other industry stakeholders together. “Our industry needs to change fast,” he said. “So let’s get started.”
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 18, 2005 – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)'s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) released ‘Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2005-2007’ today at the 54th PATA Annual Conference in Macau. This new series of forecasts for 40 countries across the Asia Pacific region predicts overall growth in international visitor arrivals of 10.6% per year to 2007. Every destination covered in the PATA region is predicted to post positive annual growth to 2007, ranging from 4.0% (Pakistan) to 20.9% (Malaysia). A summary of ‘Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2005-2007’ is available for download at www.PATA.org/forecasts05. There are numerous factors influencing the forecasts: the recovery following the tsunami, the emergence of low-cost airlines, the rapidly rising middle-classes across Asia, and significant advances in avionics leading to new generation aircraft that will change how we move around the world. “Combined, these factors look set to dramatically increase intra-regional travel flows,” said PATA Director-SIC Mr John Koldowski. “Whatever the changes we expect -- and those we don't -- the travel industry needs an anchor, a meticulously researched set of predictions on which to plan future strategies.” ‘Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2005-2007’, produced by the eminent scholars Professor Lindsay Turner and Professor Stephen Witt, provide that anchor in an increasingly turbulent world. “You will find these forecasts an indispensable reference as you chart your own course to the year 2007 and beyond,” said PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong. Purchasers of last year's book, ‘Pacific Asia Tourism Forecasts 2004-2006’, are entitled to a 30% discount. Contact publications@PATA.org.
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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) presented 30 plaques to winners in the 2005 PATA Gold Awards programme at the 54th PATA Annual Conference today. Twenty-eight Gold Awards were handed out during the 2005 PATA Gold Awards Luncheon hosted by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO). Earlier, during the opening session of the Conference, two PATA Grand Awards were presented for best-of-show entries submitted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Banyan Tree Holdings. The 2005 PATA Grand Award for Heritage was presented to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for its Ajanta Ellora Conservation & Tourism Development Project. The Ministry gained the trust of the community and local authorities to effectively conserve, restore and promote the UNESCO World Heritage site as a high-quality tourist destination. The Grand Award for Marketing went to Banyan Tree Holdings for Banyan Tree Spa Bintan’s multilingual marketing communications and public relations campaign, which pushed a consistent message and scored highly across all judging criteria. The campaign launched toward the end of 2003, and in the first half of 2004 revenue growth was up 50%; impressive results for a marketing budget of only US$5,000. In addition to the two Grand Awards, 28 PATA Gold Awards were presented to the winners listed in full below. Multiple Gold Awards went to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Banyan Tree Holdings, the Korea National Tourism Organization, the Palau Visitors Authority and Tourism Australia. The winning campaigns were selected from over 312 Gold Award entries by panels of international experts in each category. The awards were open to PATA and PATA chapter members, with the exception of the journalism awards, which were open to all published writers and photographers. The PATA Gold Awards were generously sponsored by the Macau Government Tourist Office, which has been supporting the programme for a decade. ### 2005 PATA GRAND AND GOLD AWARD WINNERS GRAND AWARDS 1. Marketing
Banyan Tree Spa Bintan
Banyan Tree Holdings 2. Heritage
Ajanta Ellora Conservation & Tourism Development Project Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
GOLD AWARDS MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
3. Government/Destination – National
Tourism Marketing with “Korean Wave”
Korea National Tourism Organization 4. Government/Destination -- State/City Tourism Tasmania’s Short Breaks Campaign
Tourism Tasmania, Australia 5. Carrier (International-Air) Singapore Airlines Boarding Pass Privileges Programme Singapore Airlines, Singapore 6. Carrier (Domestic-Air)
From Service Turnaround to Perception Turnaround Indian Airlines, India 7. Industry -- Hotel
Banyan Tree Bintan
Banyan Tree Holdings 8. Industry -- Tour Operator/Travel Agent
Thomas Cook (India) Ltd Thomas Cook (India) Ltd 9. Industry -- Spa
Angsana Spa Double Bay Sydney
Banyan Tree Holdings ENVIRONMENT
10. Ecotourism/Travel-Related
Karang Lestari, Pemuteran
Taman Sari Eco Cottages
PATA Bali & Nusa Tenggara Chapter, Indonesia
Taman Sari Eco Cottages and PATA Bali & Nusa Tenggara Chapter, Indonesia 11. Corporate Environmental
Welcomenviron ITC Hotels, India 12. Environmental Education Programme Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund
Palau Visitors Authority, Palau HERITAGE & CULTURE
13. Culture
Ngarachamayong Cultural Center
Palau Visitors Authority, Palau EDUCATION & TRAINING
14. Educational Programme
A Taxi Service Through the Community: Lighthouse Hotel and Spa Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka 15. Education & Training Publications
The Travel Institute's Destination Specialist Mexico
The Travel Institute, USA MULTIMEDIA & JOURNALISM
16. Consumer Travel Brochure
India Quest, Premium Vacations SITA, India 17. Print Media Advertisement
Incredible- Taj
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India 18. Electronic/Broadcast Media Advertisement
A Different Light Tourism Australia, Australia 19. Travel Poster Korea, Where Old Meets New Korea National Tourism Organization 20. Destination Article -- Newspaper
Vietnam Revs Up Here
Mr Rob McKeown
Boston Globe, USA 21. Destination Article -- Magazine
The Yangtze: Now and Then
Nancy Bear
Discovery, Emphasis Media, Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific Airways 22. Industry Business Article -- Trade Publications Who Wins?
Mr Steven Shellum
Hotel Asia Pacific, Hong Kong 23. Industry Business Article -- Consumer Publications Domestic Tourism the Next Big Wave
Mrs Kamal Gill
Today’s Traveller, India 24. Travel Photograph
Straight to the Top Mr Matthieu Paley
Sawasdee, Inflight Magazine of Thai Airways International
Emphasis Media, Hong Kong 25. Travel Guidebook
East Timor
Lonely Planet, Australia
Mr Tony Wheeler 26. Travel Video Award
Four Hong Kong Experiences Hong Kong Tourism Board 27. Public Relations Campaign
Brand Australia Relaunch Tourism Australia 28. CD-ROM
Discover the World's Newest Nation
Turismo de Timor-Leste 29. Web Site
JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa Personal Vacation Planner JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Thailand 30. E-Newsletter
Kerala Tourism Newsletter Kerala Tourism, India HONOURABLE MENTION Heritage & Culture – Culture
A Day with the Masters
Kerala Tourism, India
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 18, 2005 – The 54th Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Conference officially opened this morning with H.E. Mr. Edmund Ho, Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, welcoming 1,176 delegates from 44 countries to Macau. “We foresee a strong and solid growth in the tourism industry as well as the vast opportunities to be provided,” said Mr Ho. “We also have no illusions on the challenges ahead of us.” He added: “As you are fully aware, many of these challenges are not unique but rather universal shared by many our partners in this region. We value our participation in PATA and we firmly believe that we all will become stronger and better through our closer partnership and cooperation.” Mr Ho’s speech was preceded by messages from Macau SAR Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Dr Chui Sai On, 2004/2005 PATA Chairman Mr Ram Kohli and PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong. Dr Chui said: “Throughout its membership of PATA, Macau has maintained a close relationship with the Association. And today, it carries special and important implications to Macau as the host, for the first time, of the PATA Annual Conference.” He added: “PATA has always been active in the enhancement of growth, value and quality of travel and tourism for its members within the Asia Pacific region. Four PATA Task Force reports on Macau were written over the past 25 years, giving us constructive ideas as well as visions, in the development of the tourism industry.” Mr Kohli praised Macau’s determination to expand its destination image to encompass its rich and unique culture and heritage and thanked Mr Ho, Dr Chui, Mr Antunes and the Macau Host Committee, a collaboration of private- and public-sector tourism stakeholders in Macau, for making the Conference possible. During the PATA Presidential Address, Mr de Jong asked delegates to stand for one minute of silence in remembrance of the more than 170,000 people killed and some 100,000 people still missing and feared dead as a result of the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean quake and tsunami. Mr de Jong said: “Two years ago, as we recognised the external threats to our industry, we expanded PATA’s strategic agenda to include a strong focus on advocacy and reputation management. It was the right call. Sadder but wiser from our recent years’ experience dealing with the Bali bombing, with SARS, with Avian Flu, and our successful Phoenix recovery campaign, PATA is now, more than ever, ready to respond rapidly to crises that threaten our region.” Mr de Jong went on to outline the Association’s rapid and authoritative response to the December 26 quake and tsunami tragedy. He said: “Our response to the tsunami, when viewed in total, is part and parcel of PATA’s transformation into an agile, knowledge-based and advocacy-embracing travel trade association.” Following a colourful Macanese cultural performance, International Air Transport Association Director General and CEO Mr Giovanni Bisignani delivered the opening keynote address on the Conference theme “Connecting Tourism’s Stakeholders”. “Globally, tourism is responsible for 5% of GDP. In PATA countries, tourism directly accounts for up to 50% of GDP,” said Mr Bisignani. “If one link in the value chain is weak or broken, everybody suffers. This has been the lesson of Asia Pacific’s recent crises.” He added: ”Everyone in this room has felt their impact. In a global world of instant news, coordinated action is critical.” Toward the end of the opening session, PATA recognised leading travel industry individuals and organisations with assorted awards, including the “Father of the Boeing 747” Mr Joseph F Sutter, who was inducted into the PATA Gallery of Legends. In addition, Mr Joao Manuel Costa Antunes and Mr Bo W Long both received PATA Life Membership honours for their contributions to PATA’s work over many years. Two 2005 PATA Grand Award winners – the best of the 2005 PATA Gold Awards programme – also received their awards: the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for its Ajanta Ellora Conservation & Tourism Development Project and Banyan Tree Holdings for its Banyan Tree Spa Bintan. Last night (April 17), the Macau Host Committee, comprising representatives of the SAR’s public- and private-sector tourism stakeholders, hosted a spectacular reception at the Taipa Houses-Museum. For the next three days, Conference delegates will hear from experts on strategic travel industry topics, such as changes in the aviation sector’s competitive environment; poverty alleviation through tourism; the industry’s sustainability; the relationship between tourism and the arts; and China (PRC)’s rise as a tourism destination and source market. ABOUT PATA Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognised 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 organisation. Find out more about PATA at www.PATA.org.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that in view of the Chinese New Year holiday fell in February 2005, number of visitors arrived in Macao in package tours totalled 194,322, up 59.6% over February 2004. Visitors from Mainland China (147,384) had a year-on-year growth of 46.5% while visitors from Taiwan,China (20,743) and Hong Kong (8,867) increased 153.6% and 16.4%. In the first two months of 2005, visitors arrived in Macao in package tours grew 35.7% over the same period of 2004 to 380,767. Under the effect of the Chinese New Year holiday, number of Macao residents travelling in package tours totalled 22,393 in February, a remarkable year-on-year increase of 260%. Mainland China, the Republic of Korea and Thailand were the three more popular tour itineraries, which accounted for 84.2%, 3.1% and 2.8% of the total respectively. In the first two months, number of Macao residents travelling in package tours went up 57.2% compared with the same period of 2004. Meanwhile, 22,431 Macao residents travelled under own arrangements with the assistance of travel agencies, an increase of 14.8% over February 2004; Mainland China (40.1%), Hong Kong (23.2%) and Taiwan, China (17.6%) were the major destinations. In the first two months, Macao residents travelled under such arrangements fell 16.0% compared with the same period of 2004. At the end of February 2005, there were 10,181 rooms available in hotels and similar establishments, a year-on-year growth of 10.6% due to the openings of 5 more hotels over the same month of 2004. In February 2005, a total of 288,249 guests checked into hotels and similar establishments, up 8.9% over February 2004. The average hotel occupancy rate was 65.4%, a year-on-year increase of 0.9 percentage point; the highest average was in 3-star hotels, at 70.5%. The average length of stay of hotel guests was 1.16 nights, which fell 0.01 night over February 2004. The majority of the guests came from Mainland China (56.6%), Hong Kong (28.9%) and Taiwan, China (3.4%). In the first two months of 2005, there were 590,680 hotel guests, up 6.1% over 2004. In the first two months of 2005, hotel guests accounted for 39.8% of the total number of tourists, which was lower than the 43.2% in the same period of 2004.
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