PATA stages ‘Thrilla in Manila’ debate in PTM Week

BANGKOK-The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is to break new ground in the conduct and content of industry forums globally by holding the first-ever debate on the future of travel and tourism between the PATA CEO Martin Craigs and Asia travel journalist Imtiaz Muqbil. To focus on the topic, “The Future of Travel and Tourism in the Emerging New World Order - What's Important and What's Not,” a debate will be held on September 27, World Tourism Day, at the PATA Youth Forum held alongside the PATA Travel Mart 2012 in Manila.

The venue, located in the campus of the Lyceum of the Philippines University, has been specifically chosen to attract the interest of the future generation of travel industry leaders in Asia/Pacific. Called ‘THRILLA IN MANILA’, it will be the closing component in a day long Youth Forum, on 25th-28th of PTM. Over 350 bookings have already been received for PATA's Youth Forum, which is being coordinated by PATA’s Education and Training Committee, Taylor’s University and Lyceum of the Philippines University.

On either side of the debate will be PATA CEO Martin Craigs, and Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor. Craigs said: “Change is constant and fast, time for deeper reflection rare. After several months of useful informal discussion with Imtiaz, I am delighted to confirm we will go public during PATA's popular PTM Week with an infotaining debate, involving students and young tourist professionals. The Rise of Asia in the 21stCentury will be a critical component in the emerging, new world order and the travel and tourism industry is ideally placed to play a positive role in shaping it. Asian tourism leaders that I have had the pleasure to work with recognize that with great power comes great responsibility.”

He added: “We believe this debate will make a significant contribution, by positioning PATA as the most effective place to discuss all facets of change in a comprehensive, constructive manner, without fear or favour. Human Capital Development is a core competence within Next Generation PATA.”

Muqbil, who has been covering the Asia Pacific travel industry since 1981 and has been a recipient of PATA's Travel Journalism Award in 2005, commented: “This debate will break new ground in the way industry forums are organised. By providing a ‘pro and con’ perspective on issues, I hope it will trigger an industry-wide 'ripple-effect' in the content and conduct of such forums by taking them beyond a collection of people preaching to the converted.”

He added, “This debate is already guaranteed to yield a win-win outcome merely by dint of the fact that it is being held.”

Tickets are available at PHP600 (US$15) and include access to the all-day Forum on September 27, lunch, conference kit – and access to PATA Travel Mart.

Sourced: traveldailynews