PATA 's three-day Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference

February 6, 2012, Bangkok: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has opened its three-day Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart (AT&RTCM) in Bhutan, one of the world's most secret and sought-after destinations. The event is the first international travel trade event to be held in the country.

Under the theme "High Value Tourism, Low Impact Footprints," AT&RTCM, running  till tomorrow, the conference addresses key issues facing responsible and sustainable travel. Today, a buyer-seller mart takes place for companies specialising in adventure and responsible tourism.

The AT&RTCM has attracted 232 delegates. Some 51 sellers from 35 companies arrived from eight destinations including Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Among 48 international buyers from 18 destinations, 88% are first time buyers. The event has drawn a strong presence from Japan, Korea ROK, Singapore, USA and other destinations. Some 19 international media are in attendance.

Mr Martin J Craigs, PATA CEO said: "PATA is proud to be part of this historic event in Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon. Bhutan's ethos of high value tourism with a low impact footprint is one that many destinations would like to follow. All of us can learn from the Bhutan example and the high value-low impact debate it attracts."