Tourism leaders from PATA’s 41 worldwide chapters gathered in Zhuhai China May 16, 2014 for their annual general meeting and conference. This event brings tourism leaders from many countries around the world together to learn about the latest initiatives and innovations in the world of tourism.
Supported by the UNWTO and CNTA, the colloquium facilitates great networking opportunities and enables people from different countries and cultures to get an understanding of the big picture tourism issues from a global perspective.
One of the biggest issues on the agenda was how to better serve and satisfy the needs of the ever growing numbers of Chinese people visiting overseas destinations. With around 100 million Chinese citizens expected to travel outbound this year, China was very much top of mind. The fact that the colloquium was being held in China in a magnificent new resort hotel overlooking the incredible skyline of Macau in the distance, greatly assisted in focussing attention on the astonishing growth and opportunities associated with the China market.
PATA CEO Mr Martin Craigs announced that the issue relating to service quality, understanding, safety and respect relevant to Chinese travelers was being addressed by PATA and that a global master licence agreement would be signed between PATA and CHINA READY during the conference. This will enable PATA to deliver the official the CHINA READY Program® to its chapter members worldwide.
After Mr Craigs announcement, CHINA READY CEO Ms Julia (Ting Ting) Gong and Director Mr Geoff Buckley, gave delegates an overview of the China market along with a Q&A session.
This was followed by a comprehensive outline of the CHINA READY Program® and screening of “China Today”, the first of 22 modules which make up the China cultural training component of the Program.
The audience was spellbound by the unique style and universal appeal of the online format. Being online the Program can be undertaken anywhere at any time, in a very cost effective manner. Ms Gong and Mr Buckley received a standing ovation at the conclusion of their presentation by the delegates.