The press conference for 2005 PATA Annual Conference was held yesterday (March 1) at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center. Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and Chairman of the 2005 PATA Annual Conference Organizing Committee João Manuel Costa Antunes outlined the preparations for the 2005 PATA Annual Conference in Macau at the conference. The conference was followed by a dinner banquet hosted by Macau SAR government Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Dr. Chui Sai On.

Also present at the press conference were Mr Peter de Jong, President and CEO of PATA, Mr Ram Kohli, In-Coming Chairman of PATA, Mr Brian Deeson, PATA Secretary/Treasurer, Mr Kevin Murphy, Chairman of the 2005 PATA Annual Conference Programme Committee and members of the Host Committee of the 2005 PATA Annual Conference.

PATA, founded in 1951, is dedicated to promote the tourism industry in the Pacific Asian region. PATA's membership boasts about 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 industry professionals belong to over 70 PATA Chapters worldwide.

The mission of PATA is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Pacific Asia travel and tourism for the benefit of the membership of PATA.

MGTO has been a member of PATA since 1966 and the PATA Macau Chapter was set up in 1983. Starting from 1996, MGTO has been sponsoring the PATA Gold Awards. MGTO is committed to promote the tourism industry of Macau and has work hard for the privilege of hosting the PATA Annual Conference. Through the support of the PATA Board of Directors and China National Tourism Administration, Macau has successfully secured the right to host the 2005 PATA Annual Conference.

The prestigious event, being the first time to be hosted in Macau, will be attended by 1,200 to 1,500 delegates. It will take place on April 17 to 21, 2005 at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center.

The Host Committee for the 2005 PATA Annual Conference, responsible for the overall preparation of the event , is chaired by Macau SAR government Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Dr. Chui Sai On. It comprises the Advisory Committee, the Organizing Committee, headed by MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, and the Secretariat.

In addition, the PATA Annual Conference Programme Committee will be responsible for the establishment of the conference program, conference speakers, registration and promotion of attendance. The first meeting of the 2005 PATA Annual Conference Program Committee was held yesterday in Macau to discuss the preparation work.