PATA New Tourism Frontiers Forum 2016 (NTFF 2016) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh on November 23-25

Conference will examine how destinations can design a sustainable tourism brand

BANGKOK, 2016-Aug-10 — /Travel PR News/ — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will stage the PATA New Tourism Frontiers Forum 2016 (NTFF 2016) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh on November 23-25. The event is being hosted generously by the Bangladesh Tourism Board under the supervision of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

NTFF 2016 gathers the top minds in destination travel for inspiring and insightful discussions on some of the major issues in marketing and managing tourism growth to lesser-known destinations. Under the theme of ‘Designing a sustainable tourism brand – an integrative approach to building a responsible coastal destination’, the event will tackle the topics of fair trade, living heritage communities, coastal and marine tourism, heritage trails and domestic/regional tourism markets – including a session on brand building and marketing for emerging destinations.

“Tourism is one of the most powerful tools for economic growth and social development. The most interesting and unique attractions – including indigenous culture, wildlife and natural landscapes – are often located in areas where access is difficult and poverty levels are high. The challenge is to evolve those assets into attractive, marketable tourism products that maximise social and economic benefits while minimising any negative impacts,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “The PATA New Tourism Frontiers Forum will provide all industry stakeholders valuable insights on how to overcome these challenges through thoughtful discussions and hands-on experience during the Technical Tour and Tourism Marketing Treasure Hunt.”

Aligning with the advocacy theme of tourism dispersal the Forum shines a spotlight on new and emerging destinations through its choice of venue, introducing delegates to lesser-known yet attractive corners of the world. The format is collaborative yet informative, delivered through a two-day programme comprising a one-day conference with networking events and a separate day that features the Technical Tour and Tourism Marketing Treasure Hunt.

PATA is honoured to confirm that Mr Xu Jing, Regional Director of Asia and the Pacific at the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) will be providing special remarks at the opening of the conference.

Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organziation (UNWTO) said, “PATA’s New Frontiers Forum is one of the most innovative and effective ways of building a strong image and brand for emerging destinations. We commend Bangladesh for hosting such important event, particularly as the country celebrates the ‘Visit Bangladesh 2016’  Year, and trust this will be a relevant step forward in building as stronger image of Bangladesh as a tourism destination.”

Confirmed speakers for the event include Yasmin Choudhury, British social entrepreneur; Damian Cook, founder and Managing Director, E-Tourism Frontiers; Rob Holmes, founder and Chief Strategist, GLP Films; Sarah Mathews, Head of Destination Marketing APAC, TripAdvisor; Tania Miorin, Country Representative Myanmar for Istituto Oikos, and Maeve Nightingale, Mangroves for the Future (MFF) Programme Manager, IUCN.

“Bangladesh is a tourism destination in South Asia with high potential.The country is a combination of verdant forest, riverine countryside, long stretches of sun-bathed beaches, fearsome wild, meandering rivers. Bordering the mighty Bay of Bengal stands this magical tapestry in green with the glory of its past and the splendid colors of its natural present Bangladesh offers ample opportunities to the tourists for cruising, hiking, trailing, rowing, wild life/bird watching, angling, working with farmers, meeting with the hospitable people, participating cultural festivals, sea bathing and basking as well as bringing the tourists in close touch with pristine nature,” said Mr. Akhtaruz Zaman Khan Kabir, CEO, Bangladesh Tourism Board.

“This is a land of tourists, researchers, and wildlife and nature lovers. Here breathtaking scenery and rivers will surround you. You will be delighted to see the panoramic beauty of Chittagong Hill Districts. A tourist can enjoy the longest sandy sea beach-Cox’s bazaar. You can enjoy the wildlife and hear the roar of majestic ‘The Royal Bengal Tiger’. You can come across the rich cultural heritages and very old history of civilization of Bangladesh. You will enjoy the company of smiling and hospitable people of Bangladesh. You never like to miss the taste of typical delicious Bangladeshi foods. Indeed Bangladesh is a land where “There are thousand doors to enter, not a single to leave”.  PATA NTFF 2016 will definitely boost up the tourism especially in Cox’s Bazar in home and abroad.”

Bangladesh is a fascinating mix of enchanting history, vibrant cultures, sandy beaches, abundant wildlife and rich flora and fauna. Cox’s Bazar combines the world’s longest unbroken beach with the unique lifestyle of ethnic minority groups in the neighbouring hills. Located south of the industrial port of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar is popular among locals but remains largely untapped by international travellers.

For more information or to register for the event, visit www.PATA.org/ntff-2016.

Register before September 30, 2016 and receive a 20% discount on registration fees.

On the occasion of ‘Visit Bangladesh 2016’, PATA looks forward to welcoming all delegates to NTFF 2016 this November.

— ENDS —

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, comprising 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 29 international airlines, airports and cruise lines, 63 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 43 local PATA chapters worldwide. The chapters organise travel industry training and business development events. Their grassroots activism underpins PATA’s membership of the Global Travel Association Coalition (GTAC), which includes ACI, CLIA, IATA, ICAO, WEF, UNWTO and the WTTC. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing, Sydney and London.

Media Contact:
Paul Pruangkarn
Manager – Communications
+66 (02) 658-2000 | communications@PATA.org | Bangkok, Thailand

SOURCE: Pacific Asia Travel Association

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