The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold an in-depth half-day forum on the remarkable outbound tourism phenomena of India and China. The event, entitled, “Get the Insights – Build the Business,” September 6, in New Delhi, will focus on the present and future behavioural characteristics, expectations and consumption patterns of the 12.07 million Indians and 57.39 million Chinese travellers who travelled abroad last year.

According to PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre, China’s travellers now spend a total of US$55 billion each year when they travel abroad, up from US$8 billion 15 years ago. Indians currently spend US$11 billion each year when they travel internationally. “Our objective is to help PATA members and the travel industry understand where this phenomenal movement of people and money is going,” said John Koldowski, PATA’s head of tourism strategy. “With these insights, PATA members can position themselves to get a bigger share of this growth.”

As well as Koldowski, three specialists will contribute unique insights at the forum. Terence Mak, CEO of 3rd Planet will show how to use technology to better tap into the Chinese and Indian markets. Jens Thraenhart, CEO of Beijing-based e-marketing experts, Dragon Trail, will give an overview on China’s outbound situation. Ms Surekha Poddar, Executive Director of Consumer Research Nielsen India, will reveal the latest findings from Nielsen’s on-going India and China outbound surveys.

Dozens of travel industry insiders who are convening for PATA Travel Mart in Delhi, September 7-9, are expected to attend the forum which costs US$100 for PTM delegates members and US$150 for non-delegates. Each attendee at the forum will receive complementary access to all the presentations. To book and for further information on “India and China: Get the Insights – Build the Business” email: BusServ @PATA.org or visit pata.org/events/pata-travel-mart-2011/Workshop