The "PATA Action Plan" is a series of short-term, tactical marketing and communications programmes designed to assist PATA member destinations impacted by the recent currency devaluations, the stock market upheaval and fire-related haze in areas of Southeast Asia, which have hurt the travel and tourism industry throughout the PATA region.

A number of the enhancements are focused on assisting the South Pacific members overcome the drop in arrivals from the Asia outbound markets impacted by the current economic situation. Particular emphasis will be placed on encouraging travel from the long-haul markets in Europe, North and South America, as well as emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Southern Africa and the Middle East.

In addition, Mr. McI nerney will be conducting a series of meetings with tourism and business leaders throughout the Pacific. The open forum meetings scheduled for January include, Nadi, Fiji; Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia; and Auckland, New Zealand. Similar meetings have been held in Southeast Asia and additional sessions will be conducted throughout the first half of 1998 in East Asia, Northeast Asia, South Asia and North America.

"The Action Plan will evolve further based on the input we receive from the membership during the roundtable sessions," Mr. Mclnerney said.

A sampling of current elements of the plan include: