PATA Predicts 10.6% Annual Growth in Asia Pacific Arrivals to 2007

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.