Insisting there were no plans to postpone or cancel the conference of top tourism leaders from the Asia Pacific, Mr. Setyanto was quoted in the Indonesian-language Bali Post as saying, "We have received a confirmation from the head office of PATA in Bangkok that there will be no postponement."

Currently nearly 750 people representing 50 countries have registered to attend the Conference. Mr. Setyanto predicted that any "fallout" in registrations connected with the SARS scare will not result in more than a maximum 10% cancellations.

Earlier reports, carried in a Bali newspaper, that delegates would be required to produce medical certificates were in error. In accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, all arriving passengers are being screened for symptoms in connection with the worldwide SARS health alert. Bali airport officials have suggested that PATA delegates wishing to expedite the health screening process could bring doctor’s statements from their originating countries. According to Dr. Pitana, “it is not a requirement to have a health certificate . . . However, it will be much better if you are in possession of this certificate to avoid unnecessary delay following all procedures of examination on arrival in Bali.”

The existing policy in which the nationals of 48 countries are granted a visa-free permit to stay for 60 days will be honored for all PATA delegates. This is in accordance with a provision in the newly announced Presidential decree that protects existing "contracts" from any changes during a 6 month period following the Presidential decree.

According to Dr. I Gede Pitana, the Director of the Bali Tourism Authority, he has held discussions on this point with Drs. Gede Widiartha, the Chief of the Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport Immigration office and has received his assurances that all PATA participants will be handled in accordance with the "old" regulations providing for visa-free entry on arrival in Bali.

This event provides a golden opportunity for you to network, expand contacts, identify potential business, and come away with a greater understanding of the issues and trends which impact our industry.

The 52nd PATA Annual Conference is planned under the theme: Culture and Tourism: From Heritage to Legacy.

Just some of the many highlights of this year’s conference, include:

. A Special reception dinner on Sunday, April 13th hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.

. A gala opening ceremony on Monday, April 14th at the Bali International Convention Center in Nusa Dua. The music, dance and rich heritage of Indonesia in music and dance followed by a keynote address by Singapore’s roving Ambassador, H.E. Professor. Tommy Koh.

. Numerous seminars and sessions covering the leading tourism topics of the day including crisis planning, security, youth in tourism, technology, preserving heritage, and the future of PATA.

. A lavish annual travel industry dinner on Monday, April 14th at Bali's Nikko Resort & Spa.

. 53rd PATA Annual Conference Jeju Island, Korea Dinner reception hosted by Korea National Tourism Organization and Jeju Provincial Government , Korea ROK at the Bali International Convention Centre.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognized authority on Pacific Asia travel and tourism. PATA provides marketing, research and educational opportunities to a membership of government tourist offices, airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and related companies. PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Pacific Asia travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership.

Don’t miss the 52nd Annual PATA Conference in Bali Indonesia. For more information and late registration visit the PATA Website at http://www.pata.org/