Philippines hosts Travel Mart next year

The Philippines is looking forward to hosting the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s (Pata) Travel Mart in Manila next year.

Daniel G. Corpuz, Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions of the Department of Tourism, said that PTM 2012 would be another perfect opportunity to showcase the beauty and culture of the Philippines, and the country’s best attraction—the people.

Corpuz said the Philippines was no stranger to hosting Pata events.  The Philippines hosted the very first Pata Travel Mart in 1978.

“And after more than three decades, or 34 years to be more precise, the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s signature event returns to its roots.  Manila is thrilled to welcome back the Pata Travel Mart in 2012,” said Corpuz at a dinner reception hosted by the Philippines during the recent Pata 2011 in New Delhi, India.

The Philippine delegation met with Pata Interim CEO Bill Calderwood and briefed him on preparations for next year’s hosting.

The 2012 Pata Travel Mart is scheduled on Sept. 25-28, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center.

According to Corpuz, they expect to have 2,500 additional hotel rooms in Manila and Cebu by then. Airports, terminals and hotels along Roxas Boulevard are undergoing  facelifts. A new multipurpose hall with a seating capacity of 20,000 persons called the Arena beside SMX at the Mall of Asia complex is already 85 percent complete and expected to be available by May 2012.

The choice of the Philippines for next year’s travel mart is seen by tourism officials as a strong indication of the region’s business confidence in the country.