PATA to Host Marketing Forum in China

Turning research into winning strategies is the central theme of the new Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Tourism Strategy Forum targeting tourism marketers across Asia Pacific. Industry marketers, planners and researchers are now signing up for the forum to be held in Kunming, China (PRC), on Oct. 30 to Nov. 1.

Paula Fong, director of international affairs and research, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts; David Thexton, partner with Insignia Marketing Research; Hinemarie Larkins, manager of marketing research for Tourism New Zealand; Doug Shifflet, chairman and CEO of DK Shifflet and Associates; Kelvin Fu, strategy planning manager for Hong Kong Tourism Board; and William Hsu, vice president for Asia Pacific for CNN Advertising Sales, are just some of the senior-level industry professionals who have signed up as lead presenters and panelists.

The forum will focus on best practice in research and its application in the development and execution of tourism strategy. Over two full days, delegates will attend five interactive workshops as well as a China-focused seminar. Coming on the cusp of what is likely to be a difficult year for the industry in 2009, the Forum will arm tourism industry professionals with new concepts, ideas and techniques with which to face the toughest of operating environments.