Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launches “E-Marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008″

Tourism Authority of Thailand recently hosted an exclusive trade launch to unveil “e-Marketing forAmazing Thailand 2008″ - Thailand’s latest destination marketing initiative which incorporates the use of the e-marketing channels to promote ‘Amazing Thailand’ online which is expected to response in not only a greater revenue outcome to the travel suppliers as well the country but also a better reputation of Thailand tourism to world wide online travelers.

Tourism Authority of Thailand launched “E-marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008″ on January 28th 2008, introducing 5 new projects for the year, each targeting the inbound travelers from countries through out the world. The objective is to increase tourism in Thailand and create a better impression by conducting different online marketing activities for the focused group travelers via various online channels through the announced amazing Thailand campaign.

The announced 5 projects of “E-Marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008″ campaign consists of:

Thailand Amazing Deals Project is to promote the travel products of Thailand by launching a mini site: http://amazingthailand.TourismThailand.org and e-mail campaigns targeting global travelers, travel traders, media and bloggers of over 1.1 million people around the world.

Her Own Way: “Thailand - The Woman’s Paradise” Project is to promote the travel products categorized under golf, shopping, beauty and spa by launching a mini site: http://HerOwnWay.TourismThailand.org, e-mail acquisition campaigns and e-brochure (woman travel guide) targeting women travelers from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Middle East.

Thailand Portfolio Project is to promote tourism in Thailand by distributing online travel content comprising of photos, videos and travel articles through 9 world’s most famous user-generated media websites such as http://www.flickr.com, http://www.youtube.com, http://www.igougo.com, etc. targeting world wide online travelers.

Amazing Shot… Amazing Experience Contest is to organize an online event, VDO competition, for both domestic and international travelers to send their travel experiences in Thailand through VDO clips format under the concept of “Amazing Shot.. Amazing Experience!” in order to win TAT’s amazing prizes.

WIKI Mission for Thailand Tourism Project is to improve and edit all the information about Thailand on http://www.WIKIPEDIA.org (all true facts) and http://www.WIKITravel.org (the travel guide) targeting digital citizen, to make them have a better understanding of Thailand by uploading complete, accurate and up-to-date information on to the websites in order to promote tourism in Thailand.

The project is launched with the favorable support from many partners and supporters such as Royal Orchid Plus, Thai Airways PLC., Advance Info Service PLC (AIS), Academic Institutions being Chulalongkorn University and Rangsit University, http://www.youtube.com, Software Park Thailand and travel related associations i.e. Thai Hotel Associations (THA), Association of Thai Travel Agent (ATTA), Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), Professional Tourist Guide Association (PTGA) and Thai Spa Association (TSPA).

This effort by Tourism Authority of Thailand eases the marketing for members of the Thai travel and tourism industry while allowing them to participate in the campaign by sending their travel products, travel deals and related information to the project management team. They may visit TAT’s web portal site http://www.tourismthailand.org or direct to the mini site: http://amazingthailand.TourismThailand.org to get a better scope of the project. In order to participate in the projects or for more queries, travel suppliers may e-mail at: amazingthailand@tat.or.th

[ See full version here : http://amazingthailand.tourismthailand.org/eNews/1/index.htm ]

About Tourism Authority of Thailand
The major role of Tourism Authority of Thailand is to supply information and data on tourist areas to the public, publicizes Thailand with the intention of encouraging both Thai and international tourists to travel in and around Thailand, conducts studies to set development plans for tourist destinations, and co-operates with and supports the production and development of personnel in the field of tourism

Vietnam Remains Tough on Visas

Despite, or because of, its tourism success, Vietnam authorities still keep on with fairly strict visa procedures. And no change is around the corner even if Vietnam National Administration of Tourism indicates that the government is looking to open a more flexible visa policy.

Vietnam, as well as the rest of Indochina, is so far ASEAN’s biggest success story of the last decade. Like its neighbours Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam has seen the tourist arrivals growing by double-digit numbers. In 2007, the success story repeated itself once more: the country received a new record of 4.16 million travelers, up by 17.2 percent.

According to Pham Quang Hung, director of International Cooperation Department of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the country is on track to reach five million international travellers by next year. Despite growing numbers, Vietnam is one of the last ASEAN countries (including Myanmar) to still request a visa before to depart. Of course, there are always exceptions that authorities are still to point out--some ASEAN countries, Scandinavia, South Korea and Japan are provided with a visa-free access. All together, they represented 1.47 million travellers in 2007 or 35 percent of all arrivals. Since last year, Overseas Vietnamese (“Viet Kheu”) are also exempted.

But how about the remaining 65 percent? And why Vietnam does not implement a visa-on-arrival procedure such as in Indonesia, Laos or Cambodia? Visa-on-arrivals are possible but only through a sponsor such as a travel agency or a hotel but the procedure is rather discouraging to encourage spontaneous tourism.

As more low-cost airlines ply Vietnam skies, most of the travelers can’t book a last minute flight. Especially, if they would decide to leave on a week-end as embassies are close and generally need two days to issue the visa stamp.

“We are conscious that we do not offer anymore an adapted solution for travelers as we see rapid growth in our arrivals,” assured Hung. “We brought already the issue at the highest level of our government”.

As more Vietnamese airports look to receive international flights (Hue airport has recently been upgraded to an international status; Nha Trang and Dalat airports are in the stage of being soon approved) and more destinations open to foreigners, it is time for the Vietnamese administration to look at the realities of today tourism.
Source: etn, stephane hanot

A bigger and better ITE HCMC 2008

ITE HCMC 2007 was successfully held with resounding results. A strong contingent of 125 buyers comprising of 100 buyers and 25 companions from 28 countries gathered in Ho Chi Minh City to meet with 180 sellers from 19 DOT provinces. It is the largest group meeting of its kind in Vietnam. The success of the program has the support from the official airline as Vietnam Airlines, and 6 partnering airlines namely, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Eva Airways, Qatar Airways, Jetstar Airways, and Philippines Airlines.

ITE HCMC 2007 was officially opened by Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, Vice Chairwoman, HCMC People’s Committee together with three Ministers of Tourism, Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam, Dr Thong Kon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia, H.E. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister and Chairman of Lao National Tourism Administration, and together with other dignitaries Dr. Fernando Chui, Secretary of Social Affairs and Culture Macau, Khun Pornsiri Manoharn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand. Miss Earth International, Ms. Hil Yesenia Escobar Hernandez from Chile was present to promote sustainable tourism via “Save The Earth” and “Beauty & Green” Campaigns.

“We expect ITE HCMC 2008 will be even bigger and better especially with the support from the inbound airline support and the hotel and travel agents in Vietnam” remarked Mr. La Quoc Khanh, Deputy Director of DOT HCMC. With the resounding success in 2007, ITE HCMC 2008 will grow by 30% in size. We will be expecting 150 international buyers this year at the ITE HCMC 2008 Buyers programme.

ITE HCMC 2008 will be held at Phu Tho Exhibitions Center from 11-13 September 2008 in Ho Chi Minh City for the 4th presentation. For more information please refer to webiste http://www.itehcmc.com/

For enquires, kindly contact the following personnels :

Ms Chong Kam Lin at Binet Exhibitions Pte Ltd at kamlin@singnet.com.sg or mobile (84) 903 693 824 or office: (848) 8224 207

Or Mr. Tran Minh Cong at HCMC Department of Tourism at congtran.minh@gmail.com or mobile (84) 903 600 620 or office: (848) 8242 903 # 172

Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia - Joint Efforts to Promote Tourism

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia presented a variety of tourism initiatives at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2008 (ATF 2008) which is winding down in Bangkok at the IMPACT International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

Vietnam will be the host country for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2009. The Travel Exchange portion of the forum event will be held in Hanoi, January 10-12, at the Vietnam Exhibition Fair Centre. The complete official program of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2009 will span January 5-12.

In the year to come, the U.S. will be a target market for Vietnam. Visitors from the U.S. numbered 412,301 in 2007, making it the third largest market for Vietnam. The country will also be marketing the Mekong Delta region through a new promotional campaign, (Visit Can Tho Year 2008.) Can Tho City is a major destination in the Mekong Delta with a plethora of tourism appeal, including floating markets and access to small river villages.

Buyers and sellers will also have a chance to learn about the joint marketing efforts of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam at the International Travel Expo, to be held September 11-13, 2008, in Ho Chi Minh City. The three countries are promoting themselves as - Three Countries, One Destination.

While 2007 showed Laos posting an impressive 11-percent growth in its visitors arrivals, the country acknowledged hurdles ahead in growing its tourism, due to lack of hotel rooms and airline capacity. The city of Luang Prabang, a major tourist destination is especially booming, posting a 32-percent jump over the period of January through October, 2007.

Cambodia has reached out to Angelina Jolie to become the country’s ambassador of tourism. Jolie filmed Lara Croft, Tomb Raider in Cambodia and subsequently adopted a Cambodian boy. If Jolie accepts, it would immediately raise Cambodia’s tourism profile in the U.S. Cambodia is also hoping to implement a new law in the second quarter of 2008 that will allow overseas investors to hold 100 percent of a company’s registered capital. It’s predicted that the new law could increase tourism investment by 30 percent and improve the quality of tourism facilities in the country. The U.S. is currently Cambodia’s third-largest market, accounting for 123,388 visitors in 2007, an 11.95 percent increase over the previous year.
Source: mark rogers, pacasia

Tourism to drive the economy of ASEAN countries

Tourism sector will be the driving force of the ASEAN economic community as the ASEAN Tourism Ministers reaffirmed at their Eleventh Meeting (11th M-ATM) on 21 January 2008 in Bangkok in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2008 (ATF 2008). The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Thailand and co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh, Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Viet Nam.

The Meeting was formally opened by H.E. Mr. Paiboon Wattanasiritham, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of tourism sector as key success indicator in realising ASEAN Economic Community. In this regard, he was pleased with the progress of implementation activities in ASEAN tourism sector including its integration with transport sector.

Preliminary reports demonstrate that in 2007 ASEAN attracted more than 60 million visitors, reflecting an increase of more than 8 per cent. Intra-ASEAN travel continued to be the main source market with 43 per cent of total visitor arrivals.The Ministers were confident that in spite of the challenges posed to tourism, the ASEAN region will continue to be resilient and to achieve good growth.

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the overall vision of ASEAN Economic Community. As one of priority sectors for Integration, the Ministers emphasized the need to accelerate the progress of the Roadmap for Tourism Integration so as to further strengthen ASEAN’s appeal as a single destination. They acknowledged the progress achieved in the following areas: ASEAN joint promotion, tourism manpower, facilitation of travel, cooperation in crisis communications, quality assurance and cooperation with international organizations.

ASEAN Joint promotion
The Ministers were pleased to note the progress of ASEAN Tourism Joint Promotion, especially on the activities of the ASEAN Tourism Promotional Chapter (APCT) in Sydney and Seoul as cost-effective tourism promotion activities and taken note also of the preliminary activities done by APCT in Shanghai. The Ministers tasked the Senior Officials to continue and expand the exercise in other major international source markets such as China, involving various tourism events and activities, including the involvement of the private sector through the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA). The Ministers also welcomed the decision of the NTOs to support the promotion of the Visit ASEAN Pass (vap!).

The Ministers noted the completion of the Impact Assessment Study of Visit ASEAN Campaign and encouraged the NTOs to strengthen the links with the tour operators to further explore and expand the potential of the major source markets.

Furthermore, the Asean Tourism Ministers welcomed the signing of the MOU on Establishing the ASEAN-Korea Centre in Seoul to further invigorate tourism between ASEAN Member States and Republic of Korea (ROK).

The Ministers thanked the ASEAN-Japan Centre for its support in promoting ASEAN tourism, particularly on promotion of Visit ASEAN Campaign activities in Japan and Training Program for ASEAN travel trade conducted in 2007.

The Ministers noted the Singapore's proposal to hold the 3rd East Asia Week in 2008 to promote, among others, cooperation among youths, arts and culture, awareness about East Asia cooperation and people-to-people bonds.

Promoting ASEAN’s tourism investment opportunities will further expand and spread tourism benefits in the region, the Ministers applaud the success of the holding of the Second ASEAN Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF) on 21-22 September 2007 in Bali, Indonesia and agreed on the recommendation made by the Forum to promote multi-country tourism that focuses on tourism clusters and cultural corridors based on mutual heritage, history and culture. The Ministers were pleased to note on the confirmation of the Philippines to host the Third ATIF in July 2008 in Manila.

Tourism Manpower
In enhancing the readiness of the Member States in adopting the Mutual Recognition Arrangement that would eventually facilitate the mobility of tourism professional in the region based on the certificate, the Ministers acknowledged the finalisation of the Capacity Building for ASEAN Tourism MRA and the Development of Common ASEAN Tourism Curriculum Projects. The Ministers thanked the Government of Australia through ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme – Regional Partnership Scheme (AADCP-RPS) for the technical assistance provided through these projects. The Ministers noted the progress of the finalisation of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals and tasked the NTOs to finalize the principles of the Agreement for eventual signing at the earliest possible opportunity, in time for implementation by December 2008.

Facilitation of Travel
The Ministers were pleased with the progress of the ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) and NTOs joint activities for air travel and facilitation of land travel to further facilitate the movement of tourists in the region. As achieving the ASEAN Open Skies Vision will provide a tremendous boost to travel into and within ASEAN, the Ministers urged the ASEAN Transport Ministers to accelerate the finalization of the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on Air Services at the earliest possible opportunity. The Ministers also welcomed the decision of the Transport Ministers to expand the Roadmap for Integration of Air Travel Sector (RIATS) to implement the ASEAN open skies policy by 2015 as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market. In pursuit of open skies, the Ministers vigorously encouraged ASEAN Countries to implement open skies between capital cities and to actively pursue air liberalisation between secondary cities.

The Ministers were satisfied with the progress of the Cruise Working Group activities in further promoting ASEAN cruise tourism in several international events such as the launching of the ASEAN Cruise website at Seatrade in March 2007 in Miami and promoting ASEAN cruise tourism at China International Travel Mart 2007 in Kunming. The Ministers welcomed the decision of the Senior Officials to expand the coverage of the Cruise Working Group to also cover regional and river cruises.

Cooperation in Crisis Communications
The Ministers noted the latest regional situation on Avian Influenza, Haze and Earthquakes that may affect tourism in the region and urged the ACCT to continue the training to ensure the readiness of all Member States in dealing with crises that may impact tourism. The Ministers were pleased with outcome the UNWTO Training on Avian and Human Influenza Simulation attended by ASEAN Member States held on 24-25 July 2007 in Jakarta that focus on crisis management issues rather than crisis communication.

Quality Assurance
The adverse effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and changing weather patterns would have direct impact on tourist destinations. In ensuring the quality and sustainable development of tourism in the region as well as taking preventive actions for future effects, the Ministers stressed the need for enhancing the role of tourism sector through comprehensive activities in the area of tourism standards at the national and regional level.

The Ministers welcomed the decision of the ASEAN NTOs in providing the recognitions of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award to hotels in respective ASEAN Member States that have fulfilled the ASEAN Green Hotel Standards. The Ministers also supported Thailand’s proposal to develop wellness spa as an international standard. Cooperation with International Organizations
The Meeting welcomed the signing of MOU between the ASEAN Secretariat and UNWTO and encouraged both organizations to take necessary steps and devise appropriate measures in their respective domains including exploring avenues of cooperation and sharing of information. ASEAN Tourism Forum 2008.

The Ministers were pleased that the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held in Bangkok from 18 to 26 January 2008 with the theme: “Synergy of ASEAN towards Unity in Diversity” has brought more than 650 foreign tourism companies as buyers to explore business opportunities in tourism with about 446 sellers in ASEAN. They welcomed the efforts by the tourism industry in organizing more than 600 tourism booths. The Ministers acknowledged CNN International as the “Official International Cable and Satellite Media Partner” for ATF 2008.

The Meeting was attended by:

• 
  

H.E. Pehin Dato Dr. Awg Haji Ahmad Haji Jumat, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam;

H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia;

H.E. Mr. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Indonesia;

H.E. Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister, Chairman of Lao National Tourism Administration, Lao PDR;

H.E. Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia;

H.E. Brig. Gen. Aye Myint Kyu, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar;

H.E. Mr. Oscar P. Palabyab, Undersecretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines;

H.E. Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Singapore;

H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Thailand;

H.E. Mr Hoang Tuan Anh, Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Viet Nam; and

H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN.

The next ATF will be held in Ha Noi from 5 to 12 January 2009 under the theme “ASEAN Tourism-Striving for a New Height”, and ATF 2010 will be held in Brunei Darussalam.

Seoul to Tout Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

The reputation of South Korea as a world leader in cosmetic surgery has inspired the Seoul Metropolitan Government to launch a project to attract more foreign tourists looking for surface touch-ups.

The cosmetic surgery boom in South Korea has been accelerated by the so-called Korean Wave, a boom across Asia in South Korean pop culture, which includes TV dramas performed by actors and actresses with flawlessly chiseled features.

The tourism promotion policy emphasizing plastic surgery, for which the country has an international competitive edge, may include a plan to build a complex of medical institutions, accommodation and facilities for aftercare.

According to the city government as well as an affiliated organization in charge of implementing the project, the city is planning to establish a center, tentatively called the Seoul Center for Aesthetic Medical Tourism General Support.

The center would have multilingual counseling staff and would introduce cosmetic surgeons or dermatologists to tourists, or bring tourists to them.

The center also would dispatch interpreters specialized in the fields to hospitals caring for the center's clients.

It also would have its own Web site and brochures in foreign languages to promote plastic surgery.

South Korean people are said to be generally less averse to having cosmetic surgery than Japanese.

"Out of, say, 10 of my friends, I wouldn't be surprised if at least five have had plastic surgery," a twentysomething female office worker in Seoul said.

A survey found that 40 percent of respondents aged between 18 and 24 and 60 percent of those aged between 25 and 29 said they have had cosmetic surgery.

It is not uncommon for graduating students to undergo cosmetic surgery before beginning job hunting.

There are about 1,300 plastic surgeons in Seoul alone.

"There are many foreign tourists who come to get plastic surgery here because of South Korea's reputation as having high-end plastic surgery technology. We'd like to pinpoint this demand and stimulate it," a city official in charge of the project said.

Some pointed out that the Korean Wave has been instrumental in spreading the image of Korean beauty, which has in turn stimulated the boom in aesthetic medical tourism.

According to the Chosun Ilbo daily, cosmetic surgeons in Seoul have an increasing number of patients from China and Southeast Asia who request operations to make them look like South Korean actresses.

Some of the surgeons are said to work on 30 to 40 patients a month.

According to the paper, a weeklong package tour that includes cosmetic surgery is popular among tourists.

Some companies go as far as to offer their clients free cosmetic surgery tours to South Korea.
The cost for such a tour is at about 1 million won (about 110,000 yen), depending on the hospital and type of surgery.

However, cosmetic surgery is not free from problems related to aftercare or unwanted aftereffects. The city may, therefore, face a tough task to achieve adequate accountability for foreign tourists for risks that can accompany cosmetic surgery.
Source: yomiuri.co.jp

Malaysia Pushes for Single ASEAN Visa

Despite hindrances, Malaysia is pushing leaders from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) delegation at the ongoing fifth ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC) to adopt a single visa policy within the 10-nations bloc.

At the ATC, which is being hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Bangkok, Malaysia has expressed its interest in seeing the region maintain the 11 percent growth rate in international tourist arrivals to the region.

Stressing that Malaysia has been pushing the proposal since 2002, Malaysian Tourism Minister Tengku Adnan said, "We are disappointed with the lack of progress and efforts from other member countries to undertake joint promotions of the region."

He added: "There are certain attractions that we have but others don't, and vice versa. When we go for overseas promotions, we don't only promote Malaysia but also other countries in the region.
"A single visa will allow long-haul travelers to move around the region without much hassle."

The visa exemption treaty allows citizens of ASEAN member countries to enter and remain in member countries for a maximum of 30 days.

Usually coming for 2-3 weeks when they travel to this part of the world, Adnan added, they want to experience more than one country during their travels. "We can benefit more by promoting the region as a whole."

According to Adnan, ASEAN is facing an additional hurdle to its tourism promotion drive primarily due to Myanmar's internal politics, which is yet to enforce visa-free travel to citizens from other ASEAN member states, despite signing a visa exemption treaty last year. "The US-imposed sanctions on Myanmar also complicates matters for long-haul travelers from the US and European countries."

In addition, travelers face travel restrictions in Indonesia due to security reasons.

Meanwhile, as about 1,000 delegates travel to Bangkok for this year’s edition of the ASEAN Travel Forum, organizer Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has said preparations to host the annual summit of tourism industry in the private and public sectors within ASEAN is "on track."

The ATF2008, which includes the TRAVEX trade show that began January 21 and will end on January 28 at Impact Challenger 2, Muang Thong Thani has attracted interest from over 1,000 buyers and sellers from within ASEAN and around the world, according to TAT.

"The ASEAN tourism industry continues to evolve, and we can all take pride in the ongoing contributions made by the industry, bringing the 10 member nations together, thereby stimulating economic growth, environmental conservation and the sharing of multi-faceted cultural heritage,” said Dr Suvit Yodmani, Thai minister of tourism and sports, in his message to delegates. "The tourism industry is concerned not only with material gains, but also the betterment of society as a whole."

With the theme "Synergy of ASEAN Towards Dynamic Unity In Diversity,” TAT, along with together with Thai Airways and the private sector, has included tours to various ASEAN destinations in its pre- and post-tour programs.

"We look forward to welcoming our friends and supporters from throughout the ASEAN region and beyond, at the ATF2008," said TAT Governor Phornsiri Manoharn.

ASEAN received a total of almost 60 million international tourists in 2007, showing a healthy 11 percent growth. With a combined total population of almost 567 million, intra-ASEAN travel accounts for 49 percent of total visitor arrivals.
Source: etn, yousof sulaiman

PATA CEO CHALLENGE LEADING BY EXAMPLE

What is the PATA CEO Challenge 2008?
It is the first opportunity for the entire travel and tourism industry in Asia Pacific to agree to practical solutions to confront climate change.

BANGKOK, THAILAND, January 10, 2008 - The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today signed a new agreement with EC3 Global, managers of the Green Globe brand, to help significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its landmark new event, the PATA CEO Challenge: Confronting Climate Change.

Green Globe is the leading international environmental benchmarking and certification programme for the travel and tourism industry.

"It is critical that PATA leads by example and does everything possible to minimise the carbon emissions produced by this important and historic event to confront climate change," said PATA President & CEO, Mr Peter de Jong.

On 29-30 April 2008, travel and tourism industry leaders will gather in Bangkok, Thailand, for the inaugural PATA CEO Challenge. It will be the first time that decision-makers from all sectors of Asia Pacific travel and tourism meet to discuss and agree to practical solutions to confront climate change.

"EC3 and Green Globe are recognised as leaders in helping travel organisations develop sustainable business models. We are delighted to be partnering with them on this event and in other areas of PATA's strategic operations," said Mr de Jong.

Mr de Jong said the PATA CEO Challenge organising team, like most event managers, was relatively new to the process. "While this is new territory for us, we will be doing everything possible to reduce our emissions, as well as learn how we can improve our performance for future events. Our approach is to mitigate where possible and offset where we can't."
EC3 Global CEO, Mr Stewart Moore, said Green Globe was "absolutely committed" to supporting PATA achieve its goals. "We will apply our science and systems to help PATA significantly reduce its footprint for key elements of the event. These include ground transportation, accommodation, meals and other event logistics."

International delegates to the event are also being encouraged to offset the carbon emissions generated by their flights to and from Bangkok. The event venue - the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld - has joined Green Globe's accreditation programme.

Many industry leaders have already committed to attend the event including Cathay Pacific CEO Mr Tony Tyler, Accor Asia Pacific Chairman Mr David Baffsky and Banyan Tree Chairman Mr K P Ho.

The PATA CEO Challenge is being held in partnership with BHN, the Burba Hotel Network, and CAPA, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, and hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

For more information about the event, please visit http://www.ceochallenge.pata.org/.

For more information contact:
PATA Marketing Communications
Mr David Gillbanks
Tel: +66-2 658-2000 extension 108
Email: david@PATA.org
EC3 Marketing Communications Coordinator
Miss Laura Hyams
Tel + 61-7 3238 1920
Email: laura.hyams@ec3global.com

ABOUT PATA
Mission statement: "The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association acting 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."

Founded in 1951, 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 is a not-for-profit organisation. Find out more at http://www.pata.org/.

ABOUT EC3 GLOBAL
EC3 Global is a world leader in the development of sustainable tourism advice for organisations and destinations. With origins since 1987, it is now owned by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC), the largest source of sustainable tourism research in the world. This has provided access to significant industry science and technology, providing a strong foundation to address client sustainability challenges.

US Firm To Invest RM200 Million To Promote Medical Tourism In Malaysia

US firm CureOnTour will invest RM200 million in the next five years to promote medical tourism in Malaysia and some other English-speaking countries, chairman and chief executive officer Bernhard Schutte said.

The investment could be more, he added, in view of the fact that the medical tourism business is valued at US20 billion currently and is expected to double to US40 billion in the next three years.

"It is a huge business. Almost every country is involved in medical tourism in some form or another, and the biggest in the medical tourism business is Germany," he told Bernama in an interview here.

According to him, CureOnTour was established to promote the availability of top quality medical procedures, and he felt the best value for money is in Malaysia.

Malaysia, Schutte said, is fast becoming one of the leading medical tourism destinations in Asia because of its high medical standards and best value for money.

"Nevertheless, we find that medical tourism in Malaysia is way behind compared to countries like Thailand or India, and there shouldn't be a reason for this because the quality of the medical tourism here is very good," he added.

"Malaysia has fantastic hospitals here, of high quality with very good surgeons who have been trained in the UK, USA or Australia.

"So you definitely have the capability that these other countries have. What's missing is marketing, getting people to know and understand what is available here in Malaysia."

Schutte, who is chairman and chief negotiator of EBM Asia Pacific division, which owns and manages CureOnTour, explained that if Malaysia wants to market itself in other countries, it has to use the local knowledge of those countries to penetrate their markets.

"It is not possible for Malaysia to do marketing with a Malaysian marketing company, you've got to use companies in the countries you are penetrating, that are very important," he contended.

For instance, he said, the biggest hospital in Thailand is attracting medical tourists by using American firms to advertise in the US market.

Schutte suggested that rather than sell itself as the cheapest in the region for medical treatment, Malaysia ought to focus on the quality of the services provided and the seriousness with which medical tourism is undertaken.

"In the US or European markets, if we tell them we are the cheapest, this won't sell because the word cheap is almost like a bad word," he pointed out.

"Cheap often means bad quality. So, Malaysia has to learn to sell itself as the best value for money where you still get good quality service.

"This is the way to go for Malaysia. And this is what CureOnTour is going to be promoting - best value for money medical tourism in Malaysia."

In line with this, Schutte said, CureOnTour is only dealing with surgeons and medical facilities that it feels meet the high standards needed to sell medical tourism worldwide.

Among the hospitals it has signed contracts with is Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) while others in the pipeline include Gleaneagles and Sunway.

Schutte said the medical facilities in Malaysia are comparable to those that the company deals with in the US or Germany - "Malaysia has the same kind of quality or standards, sometime even better than a lot of American hospitals."

CureOnTour, being a one-stop facilitator, will coordinate everything for the travelling patients and their companions, including planning for the trips, flight reservations, transportation from the airport to accommodation, appointments with doctors and booking procedures, he added.

Source: enews.mcot.net