PATA
CEO, Martin Craigs, said: “We were heartened by the positive
feedback for the 1st Forum that took place in Beijing in December
last year. PATA is committed to facilitate the exchange of best
practices to help, protect and preserve Chinese heritage and culture
while responsibly developing tourism. We will develop the China
Responsible Tourism Forum as an annual premier sustainable tourism
conference in China.”
With
the theme of “Sustainable Innovation, Sustainable Travel,
Sustainable Business,” this year’s Forum has been co-branded as
the China-ASEAN Tourism Development Forum with the aim to bring
together a range of sectors from China and ASEAN countries that play
a direct and indirect role in delivering sustainable tourism and
ecotourism. The occasion will provide delegates with
an opportunity to
debate new research and policies, emerging issues and factors
influencing sustainability in the travel industry.
Mr
Ma Mingqiang, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre, said: “China's
relations with Southeast Asian countries have made tremendous
progress over the past 20 years. Both sides are continuously
strengthening bilateral friendship and mutually beneficial
cooperation. China and ASEAN member states are engaging fully on
responsible tourism practices. We look forward to hearing the latest
ideas and best responsible practises at the Forum.”
During
the Forum, the China Responsible Tourism Awards will be introduced.
The awards will bring together leading players from across China and
the globe to honour best practice in sustainability, ecotourism,
cultural and heritage tourism, tourism in protected areas and climate
change response.
Delegates
will review current best practices and collectively take a forward
perspective on the industry. National and international keynote
speakers will provide the latest insights on the challenges and
opportunities facing the industry. There will be plenty of
opportunities for delegates to participate in discussions.
PATA
is also encouraging tourism players to vote for candidates in the
PATA China Young Tourism Professionals Challenge 2012. The
competition has a dedicated Youku page to reward innovative
responsible tourism business
ideas put forward by students in tourism. The
ideas need to come from students in hospitality or culinary arts in
higher learning institutions in China.
Please
click and download the programme of the Forum and registration form.
The Forum is open, free of charge, to delegates based in China (PRC).
Delegates will be responsible for their own travel expenses
and hotelaccommodation.
For
more information, visit
http://www.pata.org/events/china-responsible-tourism-forum-2012-china-asean-tourism-development-forum
