Hong Kong has been chosen to host the 2006 Pacific Asia Travel Association Travel Mart in September, 2006, according to a press release from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Tuesday.

The HKTB said the decision was made during the 2006 Pacific Asia Travel Association PATA) annual conference held in Pattaya, Thailand.

The selection followed a successful bid process, in which 41 members were invited to take part, according to the HKTB.

As one of the largest travel-trade events in the Asia-Pacific, Travel Mart will attract thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the world and provide an excellent platform for the local trade to develop new business.

To maximize contracting and networking opportunities, the tourism board will work together with PATA to mobilize key trade associations to form buyer delegations to the Mart.

The board will also offer tailor-made tours to delegates, highlighting Hong Kong's major tourism developments and the existing diversity of attractions, and hidden treasures.

Launched 28 years ago, the PATA Travel Mark is widely recognized as a premier travel trade show for Asia Pacific. In 2005, nearly 2.5 million U.S. dollars worth of business was contracted and 65 percent of the Mart's registered buyers met with sellers to negotiate contract and gather product information.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2006)