Jakarta to Host International Tourism Event Next Year

Jakarta Globe, Eva Fitriani, September 01, 2015

Jakarta is scheduled to host the 2016 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
Travel Mart. (AFP photo/ Romeo Gacad)

Jakarta. Jakarta will play host to an international tourism exhibition next year, which could have a positive impact on Indonesia's lagging economy, a minister said on Tuesday.

The capital has been chosen to host the 2016 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart, which is expected to attract 600 vendors from 31 countries and a potential 1,000 buyers from 49 nations, according to Tourism minister Arief Yahya.

"As host, we will feel a direct economic impact from the participants' expenses... and also through international media exposure," Arief told journalists, adding that around 100 international media outlets will be attending the event.

The exhibition will also add momentum to Indonesia's tourism campaign for 2016, dubbed "Wonderful Indonesia."

"We will promote the great potential of Indonesia's tourism sector, as well as the country's abundance of natural beauty, culture and handicrafts," he said.

The event marks Indonesia's third role as PATA host, after staging similar exhibitions in 1985 and 1989 in Bali, said S.D. Darmono, chairman of PATA's local chapter.

As an active member of the association, the archipelago also hosted PATA's annual conference in 1963, 1974 and 2003.

This year's 38th conference will be held in Bangalore, India, from Sept. 6-8, during which Indonesia will participate with the help of 10 companies from its tourism industry.

Founded in 1951, PATA serves as a catalyst for travel and tourism development in the Asia Pacific region. Its members comprise of 87 government, state and city tourism bodies, 31 international airlines, airports and cruise lines, 61 educational institutions and hundreds of travel industry companies in the Asia Pacific and beyond.