IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE?

This is the fourth edition of the new look PATA UK newsletter, aimed to give its members the opportunity to share their news and views, but despite asking you to get in touch with the Editor, we have only heard from a few companies. Hence the question � is there anybody out there? We want to hear about new appointments, special offers/promotions, job vacancies, product launches, new or upgraded hotels, new airline routes, new guide books or who you are and why you joined PATA. In September we asked you about educationals and to tell us which destinations you are interested in learning more about so that we can speak to the relevant principals and sound them out. We didn�t hear a peep from you and we can�t believe that you have all been everywhere in the PATA region. Get in touch and we will see what we can do. The membership of PATA UK includes tour operators, travel agents, national tourist offices, airlines, hotel groups, representative companies and journalists so the newsletter is an ideal way to reach a wide variety of travel professionals. This is your organisation so please use it - make sure PATA UK is on your mailing list. Email the editor at ukchapternews@pata.org.uk The Editor has finally managed to put some incisive(!) questions to our Chairman, Tim Robinson and you can �get to know� him at the end of the newsletter. In the next edition, �get to know� the PATA UK Vice Chairman, Richard Parks. PATA UK NEWS New members

PATA UK would like to welcome the following new members to the association:

Oberoi Hotels and Resorts � they were members from 1985 to 1999 so we are very pleased to welcome them back to the UK Chapter Intercity Group/Newman Holidays Sunflight Brunel Carriage PLC American Express Travel retail branches KLM Asia House networking evening Chapter members, guests and friends from CIMTIG and the Guild of Travel & Tourism attended their first networking event of the year on 24 January as guests of Asia House, in the charitable institutes splendid new central London premises at 63 New Cavendish Street. The evening programme included a drinks reception hosted by PATA UK Board member Paul Hoskins, of Fulcrum Marketing+PR, and his client fotoseeker.com, the online photolibrary. Asia House's Programme Director, Betty Yao, gave a short talk about the organisation's work which is dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of cultures, economies and politics from Iran to Japan, and from the Central Asian Republics to Indonesia, supported by a wide range of monthly corporate and cultural events. After the presentation members and guests had the pleasure of a visit to the Asia House Gallery for a private view of the stunning 'Face of Asia' exhibition of photographs by Steve McCurry, the renowned American photographer. For those interested in visiting Asia House you will be interested to know that the premises include a small cafe open to the public and a number of fine, very well appointed state of the art function rooms available for hire at reasonable rates. An invitation has been extended to PATA members to apply for membership of the institute at a specially discounted rate. Further details are available from Paul Hoskins - p.hoskins@tiscali.co.uk and from www.asiahouse.org Were you at that meeting? Did you get snapped? Check out our Rogues Gallery here, courtesy of Fotoseeker.com This link also now appears on our home page at www.pata.org.uk PATA UK EXECUTIVE MEETING

Members of the Executive meet every 6 weeks and in between meetings members work on various projects to support the work of Executive Director, Ian Hawkes. Paul Hoskins is the PATA UK Event Organiser and at the end of the newsletter are various networking opportunities for PATA UK members that Paul has put together until June of this year. In the next edition we will have news of activities for the second half of 2006. As we all know, events move fast around the world and sometimes it is difficult to keep up to date with all the travel advisories issued by the FCO. PATA UK is planning to send out notification of any changes for PATA destinations with a link to the FCO website. Finally, Ian Hawkes is in negotiation with airlines concerning the possibility of two educationals to Shanghai and Japan for later in the year. As soon as we have any definite news we will send out details. PATA UK MEMBERS� NEWS

Guild of Travel & Tourism Award Our very own Tim Robinson was runner-up in the Guild of Travel and Tourism awards for Outstanding Services to Travel, losing poll position to Janet Driver, formerly of Holiday Inn and now with ETOA, a very worthy winner. Thanks to all of you who voted for Tim. Brightsun Travel special offers Brightsun Travel have special net fares from London to India, the Gulf and the USA for travel until the end of March with airlines such as Air India, Qatar, Continental and Virgin. For details contact Brightsun on 0871 4242422. Brightsun Travel Sri Lanka promotion Brightsun Travel have a New Year promotion for a 7-night break at the Taj Exotica at Bentota, using Qatar Airways, valid until the 31st March. Contact 0871 4242422 for prices and availability. Royal Angkor Resort appoints Supereps International Royal Angkor Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia has appointed Supereps International as its UK Sales and Marketing Office. The five star hotel is set in landscaped tropical gardens and the resort has its own unique theme with traditional Khmer decoration and handmade colonial-style furniture. The resort is situated along the Airport Road, only five minutes� drive from the airport and fifteen minutes from the grand temples of Angkor Wat. It has 202 beautifully decorated rooms and the Garden Caf�, offering all-day international dining as well as local specialty Khmer dishes. In addition the Royal Spa offers an extensive selection of massage therapies and aromatherapy plus a sauna, steam-bath and jacuzzi. For further information please contact Adam Hanmer on 020-7242 3131, email hanmer@supereps.com. Regent Holidays launch World brochure

Regent Holidays of Bristol have launched their 2006 World brochure including new destination Japan, featuring a 10-day tour taking in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Adventure lovers will be attracted by a new slant on the Trans-Siberian Express travelling by train via Pyongyang in North Korea and Manchuria. The tour price of �860 includes train travel as well as 2 nights in Pyongyang but excludes international flights. Regent has also just launched their 2006 Cities brochure with a new city break destination of Shanghai. For further details contact 0117 9211711; www.regent-holidays.co.uk Jeffery promoted to MD of World Travel Market Fiona Jeffery has been promoted to Managing Director of World Travel Market. �The new title reflects the importance of World Travel Market as the world�s number one leading business to business event for the international travel and tourism industry�, said Reed Travel Exhibitions chairman Tom Nutley. �World Travel Market is one of the top 5 of the 460 event portfolio of Reed Exhibitions worldwide and it is Fiona who has shaped the event to become a major industry player and a respected and valued forum for the industry worldwide. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

The Government of India, Ministry of Tourism announced that the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra has been given the prestigious National Tourism Award in the Five Star Deluxe category in recognition of its unremitting commitment to excellence and significant contribution to tourism in the country. The hotel has splendid views of the Taj Mahal, ornate handcrafted furniture, gilded frescoes and rich fabrics. The classical design, elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, reflection pools and pavilions are a tribute to the architectural legacies of the Mughals. The Oberoi Group also operates in Indonesia and Australia and is also engaged in flight catering, airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management and corporate air charters. For further information contact Maggi Nixon on 0207 222 0606; email mnixon@oberoi-europe.com; www.oberoihotels.com RP Marketing announces new client

Richard Parks of RP Marketing is pleased to announce that they are now representing a new client in India, Hi! Tours. Hi! Tours offer programmes throughout India and their strength is in developing creative itineraries for the leisure and adventure market. They also have a range of themed programmes including Indian cuisine, ayurveda and Bollywood. Itineraries can be tailored to suit all budgets and Hi! Tours have strong links with many of the smaller, heritage hotels throughout the country. For further information please contact Richard at RP Marketing on 01726 816400 or rpmarketg@aol.com or check and www.rp-marketing.co.uk and www.hi-tours.com

Fulcrum Marketing client Fotoseeker.com launch newly developed Dynamic Interface technology Fotoseeker.com has developed a new Dynamic Interface system which allows tourist offices, destinations, hospitality and other travel business suppliers the opportunity to feature their own branded photographic libraries online, accessed seemlessly through their own website direct to Fotoseeker�s unique web-based business software programme. This provides organisations with a powerful tool to store and control their photographic libraries, information and image distribution online in real time. Paul Hoskins, Fulcrum�s marketing consultant for Fotoseeker, said, � Tour operators, agents, and journalists are using fotoseeker.com daily in their thousands, to select and download in a matter of seconds, online Photolibrary 300dpi print ready images�. Currently fotoseeker.com has more than 35,000 images available online 24 hours a day 365 days of the year, representing more than 120 organisations.

Hoskins added, �PATA member hotels, resorts and tourist boards can not only improve their brand awareness and service to the trade by a 1000% using fotoseeker.com�s new Dynamic Interface software, but also generate significant cash savings in operational costs and valuable staff time and other corporate resources�.

For more information contact Paul Hoskins on 020 7610 4982; p. hoskins@tiscali.co.uk HOTEL NEWS

Marco Polo Hotels

Marco Polo Hotels has announced executive appointments to prepare for the openings of its two hotels in Cebu and Beijing. Hans Hauri has been appointed General Manager, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the Group�s second property in the Philippines. The hotel has 332 rooms and is scheduled to open in April 2006. Mr Hauri has worked in the hospitality industry in Asia for 25 years, previously with The Peninsula, Hilton International, Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts and Meritus Hotels and Resorts. Eric Swanson has been appointed General Manager, Marco Polo Parkside, Beijing, the Group�s second hotel in Beijing. The hotel has 330 rooms and is just 600m from the entrance to the Olympic Park for the 2008 Olympic Games. Mr Swanson brings with him 20 years of experience working in hotels worldwide including Ritz Carlton Further details on the Marco Polo Hotel Group is available at www.marcopolohotels.com Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa

The Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Yao Noi Island, Thailand is scheduled to open at the end of 2006 with 54 pool villas in Phang Nga Bay including a 3-bedroom hilltop villa and a 2-bedroom beach villa. Facilities will include restaurants and bars, gym, sports centre, private beach and the Six Senses Spa. Budget accommodation in Bangkok

More budget accommodation will be available in Bangkok with the opening of three new hotels from Accor and Ibis. In January 2006, the 189-room Ibis Siam Bangkok opened near the Pratunam shopping area and the 288-room Ibis Huamark Bangkok near the Hua Mark Stadium. Facilities include a bar and a restaurant. In Soi 11 off Sukhumvit Road, the 150-room Ibis Fenix Bangkok will be ready in the latter part of 2006 with a fitness centre and meeting rooms. Oberoi Hotels and Resorts

PATA UK is very pleased to welcome Oberoi Hotels and Resorts back to the Chapter. Starting from 01 April 2006 Oberoi have a special offer for summer 2006. Book and pay for 4 nights and get 4 nights free for US$2,300; book and pay for 5 nights and get 7 nights free for US$2,900. This offer is for accommodation for two people, airport transfers and 25% discount on spa treatments. Participating Oberoi properties are in Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ranthambore, Shimla, New Delhi and Mumbai. Contact 08001234 0101 for further information or check their website www.oberoihotels. com/exoticvacations GHM Hotels news

The Chedi Chiang Mai is due to open 1st March 2006. Located in the centre of the city on the banks of the river, the 84 rooms have private courtyards, open balconies and breathtaking views. The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam will open towards the end of the year with 60 guesthouses, all with ocean views. For further details contact, Tim Reid, GHM Resorts; tel: 020 8878 8777; www.ghmhotels.com New resort in Danang, Vietnam

In early 2006, the 5- star Swiss-Belhotel Sontra Resort & Spa will open in Danang with 91 private villas, 117 bungalows with mountain, beach or ocean view and 164 rooms. Facilities will include three restaurants, bars, shops, children�s club, spa, fitness centre, tennis courts and water sports. Lao Spirit Resort, Luang Prabang

Located on the banks of the Nam Kham River, 15km from Luang Prabang, the Lao Spirit Resort has just five comfortable bungalows with all the basic amenities required in a tranquil setting. There is a restaurant serving European and Asian food and activities available include elephant rides, day treks and kayaking. Marco Polo Hotel Group now on fotoseeker.com Marco Polo Hotel Group has joined forces with fotoseeker.com, the hotel and travel industry�s one- stop online global picture resource facility, revolutionising, at the click of a mouse Marco Polo�s ability to service and supply photo-images to the media and travel trade. PATA UK Chapter member, Glen Farmer, Marco Polo�s Regional Director of Sales said, �From now on any PATA member or anyone, anywhere requiring a photograph of a Marco Polo Hotel located in China, Hong Kong, Philippines or Vietnam can simply log on and register with www.fotoseeker.com and access the comprehensive Marco Polo photo-image site�. No longer will agents and operators have to telephone and wait for suitable images to be sourced and mailed, all of which in the past could take several days. For more information contact Glen Farmer on 01528 635011; farmer@marcopolohotels.com AIRLINE NEWS

Lao Airlines

In 2006, Lao Airlines will receive two additional aircraft to add to its current fleet of three. The airline plans to increase flights between Vientiane and Siem Reap to four times weekly. Qantas buys new planes

The Boeing Company and Qantas have announced that the latter will buy up to 115 B787 Dreamliners for renewal and expansion of its long-haul fleet. OTHER NEWS

Mekong Development Project Launched in Cambodia The Asian Development Bank's Mekong Tourism Development Project (MTDP) has identified activities it will undertake in Cambodia and has launched a new web site. The project will improve high priority, tourism-related infrastructure in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam, promote community-based sustainable tourism in rural areas, and strengthen sub- regional co-operation. It will mitigate environmental degradation, develop human resources, and promote co-operation between private and public sectors by establishing tourism marketing and promotion boards. For details www.mot.gov. kh/adb_mtdp/index_adb.htm and www.PATA. org/mekong Bokor, Cambodia

Korean investors have announced their intention to completely rebuild the derelict hill station of Bokor in southern Cambodia. The town has fallen into disrepair since it was abandoned in the 1940s. All that is left are ruined buildings. The renovation will construct a new casino, hotel, resorts, guesthouses and improve the road leading to the resort. Balloons over Bagan

Balloons over Bagan has introduced a new safety policy that restricts children under the age of eight years from flying in the balloon. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and must be at least 137cm tall. PATA Quarterly Statistical Report shows strong increases in arrivals to the region The report shows which destinations attracted the most increases in international visitor arrivals for the third quarter of 2005. The top five destination winners for the quarter, in terms of arrivals growth (%) from all markets, compared to third quarter 2004, were:-

* Vanuatu (+50.9%) * Cambodia (+41.7%) * Lao PDR (+23.8%) * Nepal (+23.8%) * Macau SAR (+19.1%)

In total, 16 of the 37 Asia Pacific destinations reporting on third quarter figures enjoyed double-digit arrivals growth for the period. DESTINATIONS

Korea

The London office of the Korea Tourism Organisation has announced its strategy for 2006 to position Seoul as a stopover destination. Marketing Manager Michael Michael said, �Working in conjunction with Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, we aim to raise awareness of Seoul as a viable, safe and attractive stopover destination, not just for the Australian and New Zealand markets but for destinations in the Pacific and Asia�. Michael continued, �Many tour operators have commented on the backlash from clients having to transit via the US for Hawaii and Fiji due to heightened security measures. It is easier to travel to these destinations via Seoul, with the added benefit of a stopover in one of Asia�s major cities whose attractions are only now being discovered by UK travellers. There are also no direct flights from the UK to the Philippines, Bali, Vietnam or Mongolia and Korean Air is the major carrier to Ulan Bator from the UK. Seoul boasts some of the best shopping in the world: street markets selling everything from traditional arts and crafts to clothing and 21st century malls selling designer goods and the very latest in electronics and gadgets. Visitor arrivals from the UK to South Korea continue to rise year on year and the KNTO works closely with tour operators to include Korea in their programmes. For further details please call Michael Michael on 020 7321 2535

FVB Launches updated website

The Fiji Visitors Bureau (FVB) has launched an upgraded version of its website www.bulafiji.com. Among the new features are a photo gallery and electronic greeting cards. There are plans to have an automatic translator convert English-language content into Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and Korean. New dates for Gateway to South Asia Mart The Sri Lanka Gateway to South Asia Travel Mart by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board has been rescheduled to June 16-18, 2006. Lao PDR joins PATA

For the first time since opening its doors to international tourists in the early 1990s, Lao PDR is on track to record more than 1 million arrivals in 2005. As it joins PATA in 2006 as a government/destination member, the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) attributes reaching the 1 million mark to joint marketing activities it has undertaken with the private sector.

The LNTA will host the Mekong Tourism Investment Summit (MTIS), March 28--30, in the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang -- www.PATA.org/mekong In addition, the LNTA is working with development partners to ensure that the tourism industry makes meaningful contributions to poverty alleviation and heritage conservation -- www.ecotourismlaos.com The Maldives

An additional 35 islands have been proposed for tourism development in the Maldives, which is expected to add 5,000-7,000 new beds over the next two to five years. According to the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), bed capacity in tourist resorts increased from 16,318 to 16,858 (+3.3%) between 2001 and 2004. During the same period, tourist arrivals increased 33.6%. PATA forecasts arrivals to the Maldives will likely increase by 6.8% in 2006 and 2007. Gavaskar goes into bat for Nepal Tourism Indian cricket legend Mr Sunil Gavaskar has accepted a Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) proposal to become a goodwill ambassador for Nepalese tourism. Mr Gavaskar said that he was delighted and praised Nepal's beauty and hospitality. The first batsman to score 10,000 runs in test cricket, Mr Gavaskar said Kathmandu could be a good venue for sports tourism. For details www.welcomenepal.com HKCEC voted the most popular exhibition venue in Asia-Pacific

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has been named the most popular exhibition venue in the Asia-Pacific region in an industry survey conducted by CEI Asia Pacific magazine. The survey was conducted in November 2005 amongst key players in the MICE industry, with results released in January 2006. The survey that showed Hong Kong continues to rate highly as a MICE destination, with 32 per cent of respondents holding an event there during 2005. LOOKING AHEAD

Manchester Showcase

This takes place on Thursday 23 March at Manchester Airport and the following companies will all have stands - Korea NationalTourist Office, Fiji Visitors Bureau, Marco Polo Hotels, Macau Tourist Office, Newmans/Intercity Group, RP Marketing, Emirates, Etihad, GHM Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and Kuoni. We also hope to have Silverbird, Air Travel Guide, Garuda/Flight Directors and Tropical Places. There are still a few spaces available so contact ian@pata.org.uk to book a place and have the opportunity to meet the agents from the north west. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

22 Feb Sri Lanka destination and networking evening at the Sri Lankan High Commission, 13 Hyde Park Gardens, London W2 2LU from 1830-2030 hours 01 Mar Annual PATA/CIMTIG debate; this year�s subject is on the growth and future prospects of the emerging China tourist market 5 April Annual Spring Roll Chinese dinner at Imperial China Restaurant, Lisle Street, WC2 23-27 Apr Annual PATA Conference, Pattaya, Thailand 17 May Philippines destination and networking evening at the Embassy of the Philippines, London W8 28 Jun PATA UK members networking evening and Annual General Meeting, venue TBA For further information and to reserve your place at any of the above activities,please contact Ian Hawkes on ian@pata.org.uk �GET TO KNOW� YOUR EXECUTIVE

This new feature kicks off with Tim Robinson, who has been PATA Chairman for over six years. What does your role entail as PATA Chairman?

Working with Ian Hawkes and the Executive on policy and events, coordinating the Chapter�s activities with the international organisation, representing PATA on many committees and at industry functions and always on the look out for new ideas. What do you like most about your work for PATA?

Being involved with great people and a fantastic region and being as hands on as possible when we face challenges. Where do you see PATA UK in two years time?

Good and difficult question! I see PATA UK as having developed a structure and approach that is flexible enough to work within a rapidly changing industry and to represent Pacific Asia with authority and commercial value for the members. When you are not working on behalf of PATA UK, what is your role in the travel industry?

My consultancy � Equator International � has a wide brief in commercial and corporate affairs. We help with deals and agreements, product development, risk management and help bring buyers and sellers together from across the world. What is your best achievement, either personal or work related?

Not sure if it�s the �best�, but the most challenging and rewarding has been going it alone after 25 years in corporate environments. The most moving for many years was seeing the faces of the children at our tsunami recovery projects in Sri Lanka. What do you always take with you on your travels?

Books and mosquito repellent. I devour books and the mozzies devour me! What is your most memorable experience overseas?

Flying around Mount Everest, my first sight of the Taj Mahal and seeing The Kumari in Kathmandu � I really can�t choose between them, as each was breathtaking in different ways. What is your worst travel experience?

I�ve been really lucky so far. I can�t say I�ve had a really bad one, just a few hiccups that we all have to live with. What is the best piece of travel advice you have ever been given?

In a word � Immodium! Perhaps that explains my last answer? More seriously, somebody once reminded me never to take for granted our opportunities to see all these wonderful places. What is your idea of a perfect holiday?

As Chairman, I hardly dare name any places, but what I look for is a balance of relaxation and experience. I especially love the �heritage� style hotels, so the Samode Palace near Jaipur is my kind of place.

Anita Sach Editor, PATA UK News ukchapternews@pata.org.uk