PATA adventure, ecotourism mart set in Sri Lanka

MANILA (PNA) - The 13th Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Adventure Travel and Ecotourism Conference & Mart will take place in the hills of Sri Lanka, on Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, 2001.

The venue at Dambulla, a two-hour drive from Colombo, will be the legendary Kandalama Hotel, the first hotel in Asia to receive Green Globe 21 certification for its unique cultural and environmental preservation measures. Dambulla is close to five UNESCO World Heritage sites.

About 200 delegates are expected to sign up for the four-day event which will bring together specialists, adventurist and ecotourism operators.

The sellers will be from Pacific-Asia. The buyers, from global markets. The aim is to help them all capitalize on the dynamic and growing niche travel sector of ecotourism and adventure. The mart will be strictly business and appointments will be scheduled in advance.

In the conference component, guest speakers from around the world will address strategic topics such as Bio-Diversity: Challenges for this Country; Developing Alternative Adventure Travel and Ecotourism Programs; How to Streamline Your Marketing Efforts on the Internet; Community Tourism; Expectations Versus Realities; The Green Globe Certification Program; Spa and Health Resorts; and Agricultural Tours.

Guest speakers include Julian Matthews (UK); Greg Kaufman (Hawaii); Pete Peterson (USA); Tom Beadle and Graeme Workboys (Australia), to name a few.

PATA assistant director-Events, Phenthip Chomprang, said “What we’re putting together is a one-stop specialists event which will be an exchange of new ideas and trends as well as a business exchange. Whatever your niche in adventure travel and ecotourism you’ll find it here.”

On the other hand, delegates attending the 50th PATA Annual conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from April 8-12, 2001 are being offered 16 pre- and post-conference tours, which showcase the exotic diversity of Malaysia.

Six of the tours will be complimentary for all delegates including the KL Heritage Trail, the KL Garden City Charms, and Putrajaya, Inspiring City of the Future.

The highlight of the Malaysian Fashion Extravaganza tour is a presentation of beautiful Malaysian batik wear and diamond designs by local models.

However, the 10 post-conference tours upcountry in Malaysia represent the best opportunity for delegates to enjoy the host country.

Beach-lovers can unwind on a Pangkor Sun-Seekers paradise trip or the Redang Marine Park Getaway.

The diversity of Malaysia’s tropical rainforest provides the backdrop for trips such as Sarawak — Exotic Wonders of Borneo and Tama Negara— Magnificent Rainforest Wonder.