CGTN Europe interviewed Paul Pruangkarn, Chief of Staff at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
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00:00 For more insights, let's talk to Paul Prong-Khan, the Chief of Staff at the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
00:07 Paul, great to have you on the show.
00:09 So the ITB has been holding its fair in Shanghai for three years now.
00:13 What trends and changes have you observed?
00:16 So just in the industry itself, we've seen a big shift in terms of priorities for a lot of destinations in the region.
00:26 It's a big shift in focusing on sustainability, of course, and technology innovation.
00:33 So those are the big things that are happening in the industry.
00:35 In terms of travel behavior, we've seen travel behavior change.
00:38 People are more socially conscious in making travel decisions.
00:42 Safety and health are top priorities for many travelers in Asia and China as well.
00:48 So those are some big shifts we're seeing at a destination level and as a traveler and from the consumer level as well.
00:54 But Paul, according to our correspondent just now, this year's Expo sees participation from more than 600 exhibitors and over 1,000 selected buyers.
01:03 So reaching pre-pandemic levels.
01:05 So what factors have contributed to this strong return?
01:10 Well, I think, you know, last year we were talking about recovery from the pandemic.
01:14 And this year I think travel is back.
01:16 You know, destinations around the region are reaching close to pre-pandemic levels.
01:22 So it's a strong competition across the board.
01:25 So that's why events such as ITB China and Shanghai are doing really well because people really want to get a piece of the Chinese market.
01:34 You know, it was before the pandemic, one of the it was one of the largest outbound markets.
01:39 So people, you know, people destinations do want to do want to make sure that they have a robust recovery.
01:43 And Chinese travelers are part of that robust recovery for that destination.
01:47 And so as we see, consumers are coming back. And what are the trends in consumer behaviors?
01:54 And are we ruling out any policies to keep up with the change?
01:57 Well, I think I think some, as I said before, your safety health and safety are some of the biggest priorities for any travelers, particularly Chinese travelers.
02:06 So we've seen emphasis from destinations focus on that and make sure that travelers,
02:11 especially from China, are having a safe and safe sort of travel and seamless travel experience.
02:18 But I think travelers, travelers also be more socially conscious in what they're choosing in terms of what they want to do.
02:24 Looking for more unique destinations or unique experiences, not the typical bucket list sort of experiences you've had in the past.
02:32 So so that's more, you know, that has a more experiential, more focused on culture and heritage.
02:38 We're seeing that lot in the region, particularly from China and, of course, from Southeast Asia and North Asia.
02:44 As you said, Paul, that the consumers are always looking for something new.
02:48 So there are some newcomers, as we see to this event this year.
02:51 Are there any new or particularly notable participants this year?
02:57 Well, you know, we have some destinations in Central Asia, so like East Kazakhstan, Georgia, then from from from Southeast Asia.
03:05 You have some some of the provinces like Sarawak, Malaysia, Tonga, Central Asia, Uzbekistan.
03:12 Cuba is actually a very interesting newcomer to the exhibition floor.
03:16 And of course, you're seeing you're seeing some points someplace like Buenos Aires and even Hawaii taking place for the first time as a newcomer this year.
03:26 I'd be China. So it's really interesting to see these new destinations taking part in the exhibition.
03:31 It's great. You know, it's great. It seems to see that everyone's really wants to have to have travelers back from China.
03:38 And so it's it's a welcoming for for them and and welcome them back to their to their destination.
03:44 And there is a lot to look forward to. That is Paul Prang Kang, chief of staff at the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
03:50 Thank you very much for insight.