PATA has established an independent committee to vet applications from Buyers seeking subsided registration and attendance at the Association’s 2010 Travel Mart in Macau SAR on 14-17 September.

The committee comprises representatives from Asian Trails, Diethelm Travel, Accor Asia Pacific, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hotel Equatorial Group, Guam Visitors Bureau, and Tour East – all well-established Seller companies and organisations familiar with the main purpose and benefits of the PATA Travel Mart.

Hitherto, applications from Buyers have been scrutinised by the host destination in conjunction with sponsoring airlines. The new committee reflects a balanced geographic and industry mix and is now working closely with PATA on the vetting process of all applications.

“It’s our way of maintaining the essential and important quality control. We must be sure, for the benefit of all our Sellers who invest considerable time and money to exhibit at PTM, that all registered Buyers have passed a fair, yet rigorous, vetting process,” says PATA’s Sheila Leong. “PATA Travel Mart 2010 in Macau brings back the primary focus of the Mart. It’s an annual marketing event designed to provide an important platform for members to network and meet in a business setting that develops lasting relationships of trust, reliability, credibility and integrity. We have an impressive track record of facilitating meaningful business negotiations and contracting and I am very confident that this will continue in Macau,” she adds.

Committee member Charlotte Gutte, Regional Director of Sales at Accor Asia Pacific, says, "After many years of attending PATA I am pleased and honoured to be asked to join the buyers assessment committee for 2010. I look forward to welcoming a diverse and enthusiastic group of buyers to PATA Travel Mart and I trust that the event will be a great opportunity for business exchange.”