There's a positive tone to initial feedback received from delegates attending PATA Travel Mart 2008 in Hyderabad. Results from PATA's eSurvey, conducted immediately after the event, show that 97 percent of Buyers rate PTM 2008 as either 'satisfactory' or 'excellent'. Some 96 percent of Sellers similarly rated the show.

"We're delighted with this response as it reflects the commitment shown by our hosts in Hyderabad and the determination of the industry to weather the current storm", says PATA Events Director Sheila Leong. "Attendance figures across the board were extremely encouraging and reflect the continued importance of the PATA Travel Mart as the region's premier showcase event."

With Seller registrations topping the 300 mark there was a noticeable increase in representation from China (PRC) ahead of the PTM2009 in Hangzhou. "We welcome the increased participation from a wide range of travel industry representatives in China and we were also pleased to see for the first time a dedicated North American pavilion," adds Sheila.

Buyer delegates totalled 374 from 56 countries/regions including newcomers Romania, Maldives and Cambodia. PATA also welcomed the return of buyers from markets as diverse as Brazil, Ireland, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Peru and Saudi Arabia.

India, as expected, returned significantly increased numbers in buyers attending the event (up 71 per-cent) and China (PRC) also showed a marked increase in interest (up 52 per-cent). The Buyer profile breakdown shows wholesale operators (56%); leisure & MICE (30%) and MICE specialists (5%).

PATA Travel Mart 2009 takes place in Hangzhou from September 22-25.