PATA Travel Mart 2019 (PTM 2019), generously hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh Tourism National Company, has attracted over 1,200 delegates from 63 global destinations. The delegate numbers embraced 347 sellers from 180 organisations and 34 destinations, along with 252 buyers from 244 organisations and 48 source markets with first time buyers comprising 44% of the total.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) was also pleased to welcome 190 local and international students and young tourism professionals. The students from 8 local universities in Almaty and Nur-Sultan, as well as students from Malaysia, India and Canada. were part of the PATA Youth Symposium held on Wednesday, September 18, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Tourism National Company and M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University.
PTM 2019 officially opened in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan on Wednesday, September 18 with the PTM 2019 Welcome Reception, presided by Ms. Aktoty Raimkulova, Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, taking place at the Radisson Hotel, Astana.
Early in the day, delegates had the chance to gain insights into the power of technology and the evolution of content marketing at the Travolution Asia Forum 2019, organised in partnership with Travel Weekly Group, and the Content Marketing Forum, in partnership with UpThink.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, September 19 at the Korme Exhibition Center, the official venue of the event, Dr. Hardy said, “This marks the first time that PATA is organizing an event in Central Asia, and our aim is to highlight the unexplored region of Central Asia and particularly Kazakhstan. Unexplored by many, PATA Travel Mart provides the perfect opportunity to showcase this unique destination vast landscapes and beautiful culture and heritage.”
During the event, PATA officially welcomed the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan as it newest government member.