The Annual Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) event was held at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel today sponsored by the Jumeirah group.

Pata, the leading authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism has been established for more than 50 years, and is dedicated to keeping its member up to date on developments in travel to, from and within the world’s fastest growing region.

“We themed this year’s event ‘Middle East meets Middle Kingdom’ to give our members as well as the key players in the travel industry, the latest updates from Asia & Pacific, with specific reference to China, that will affect this region’s inbound business in the coming years” said John Koldowski, Director Strategic intelligence Centre for Pata.

Pata’s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC), at Pata headquarters in Bangkok, produces many of the publication from its ongoing research, including statistical reports, market studies that serve as essential tools for planners, educators, government officials and industry leaders.

Also speaking at the event, was Dr. Grace Pan who heads the travel and leisure research at Nielsen China and Rohit Talwar, CEO of Fast Future who was nominated as on of the top ten global future thinkers by the UK’s independent newspaper.

Attending the event were some of the top leaders of travel, tourism and hotel operators in Dubai.

Nicki Page Pata regional Gulf director expressed how important it was to achieve Pata’s mission in the Gulf: “Our mission is to act as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with Pata’s private and public sector members, we enhance the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.”

“Next year, we are looking at further events which will involve UAE-based Asia Pacific tourism board members to provide a platform to showcase travel packages tailored to the GCC market ahead of the summer rush,” she added.

“From a regional perspective, we are keen to encourage and develop closer working relations with members of the tourism industry in the Gulf,” she concluded.

Supporting partners for the event were Jumierah Hotel Group and Etihad Airways.--TradeArabia News Service