Following the success of the First World Conference on Tourism Communications (TOURCOM), the World Tourism Organization will be staging the first regional version of the event for Asia and the Pacific on May 20-21 2005 at the Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia. Organized by the World Tourism Organization with support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia the Conference is an integral part of the Phuket Action Plan for post-tsunami recovery and will deal with a crucial area in the region�s tourism development. In light of the recent natural disasters in the region crisis communications will be high on the agenda of the conference along with other challenging issues, such as the role of the media in tourism, successful promotion campaigns, branding of destinations and responsible tourism communications. United Nations special envoy for tsunami recovery Mr. Bill Clinton, is due to make a video declaration to the gathering. We expect more than 200 participants from the region and other parts of the world. The principal objective is to bring together tourism decision-makers, tourism communicators from public and private sectors and media representatives to look at how improved communications can help pave the way for a brighter future for tourism in the Asia Pacific region following the tsunami. We hope to count on your participation in what promises to be an invaluable event; to join in the discussions and to share your knowledge and experience with speakers and delegates from all corners of the globe. For participation form and detailed conference information (provisional programme, accommodation, transportation, etc.) visit : http://www.world-tourism.org/newsroom/conferences/menu.htm. In order to facilitate the task of the organizers, I would be grateful if you could confirm your participation at your earliest convenience.

For further information please contact:

Rok Klancnik rklancnik@world-tourism.org +34 91 5678 191