Bangkok--26 Sep--PATA There were close to 356 million international trips to Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) member destinations in 2006, representing region-wide year-on-year growth of 5.3% over 2005. This was revealed by the 'PATA Annual Statistical Report 2006', launched today during a strategic intelligence workshop at PATA Travel Mart 2007 in Bali, which has set a new year-to-date record for arrivals. "Calendar year 2006 was very successful in terms of international visitor arrivals (IVAs) into and within Asia Pacific," said PATA Director - Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) Mr John Koldowski. The following destinations posted "best-ever performances" in 2006: ** Chile, in the Americas; ** Bhutan, India and Pakistan, in South Asia; ** China (PRC), Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Korea (ROK) Macau SAR and Mongolia, in Northeast Asia; ** Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar. Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, in Southeast Asia; and ** Australia, Cook Islands, Hawaii, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea and Samoa, in the Pacific. "Asia Pacific may attract up to 380 million IVAs in 2007," he added. "So far this year the region has added 13.8 million international visitor arrivals compared to the same period in 2006, an expansion of 7.1% year-on-year." During today's Asia Pacific State-of-Play Workshop, a complimentary event for registered PATA Travel Mart delegates, Mr Koldowski outlined the major issues and trends affecting international travel flows to and within the region in the short and medium term:- ** Jet fuel prices, which account for 28% of airlines' operating costs in 2007 (in 2003 jet fuel prices accounted 14% of costs). ** Political uncertainty, with major elections scheduled in regionaldestinations. ** Climate change; the industry's response and political implications. ** Intra-regional and cross-border traffic will continue to dominate. ** Continuing expansion of road and air routes throughout Asia. ** The effects of new aircraft; the A380 and B787. ** The progression of sub-orbital flight technology and space tourism. "Since 2002, IVAs to and within Asia Pacific have grown at an average annual rate of 6.2%," said Mr Koldowski. "Assuming no external shocks, PATA forecasts continued positive performance, at least in themedium-term." The 'PATA Annual Statistical Report 2006' launched today brings together in one volume the top-line performance statistics for destinations across Asia Pacific from 2002 to 2006. Covering both inbound and outbound flows, the report provides an overview of annual travel movements to and within the most dynamic region in the world today -- Asia Pacific. For specific information on the structure of Asia Pacific travel flows, refer to the full report. For predictions on Asia Pacific tourism performance, PATA's 'Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts' covers a three-year time horizon. The 'PATA Annual Statistical Report 2006' by PATA's Strategic Intelligence Centre is available to PATA members for US$250 and non-members US$500. For more information on the report, visit www.PATA.org/catalogue or email [email protected]. Note to editors: For more commentary on the issues raised by PATA's Strategic Intelligence Centre during today's intelligence workshop, please email [email protected] . Pictures from PATA Travel Mart 2007 will be available online at www.PATA.org/mart2007. For more information contact: PATA Corporate Communications Ms Min Min Wong Tel: +66 (0)2 658-2000 extension 107 Email: [email protected] PATA Marketing Communications Mr David Gillbanks Tel: +66 (0)2 658-2000 extension 108 Email: [email protected]