PATA President Lauds Jeju's Successful Hosting 2007 ASTA IDE

Urges Jeju to keep an eye on Beautiful Resort

Peter de Jong, president and CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association, was one of the foreign participants in the 2007 ASTA IDE held in Jeju recently, which gave higher marks to Jeju's hosting the tourism exposition.
He commented, "Jeju tourism authorities and tourism industry did an absolutely outstanding job of hosting the ASTA IDE."The following are his comments he made to NewsWorld's questions concerning the ASTA IDE.
Question: What's your assessment of Jeju's playing host at the 2007 ASTA IDE Jeju?
Answer: Jeju tourism authorities and tourism industry did an absolutely outstanding job of hosting the ASTA IDE. The hosting hotels displayed superior service and the ICC Jeju provided a most efficient and comfortable meeting environment. The fascinating displays of korean arts and culture were also splendid. It was clear to me, from speaking with many delegates, that they were all delighted with their Jeju experience.
Q: Could you tell our readers about the tourist attractions with which you had been fascinated or the wonderful experiences you had during your stay there?
A: Since my last visit in 2004 (PATA annual conference), many new attractions have been added for the tourists to enjoy. The service level at the airport, hotels, ICC Jeju and these 'old'and 'new'attractions has remained superior. Jeju provides the right mix of entertainment, learning and relaxation in a wonderfully scenic and harmonious natural environment.
Q: Could you give any suggestions about the development of Jeju's tourism industry?
A: Please 'keep doing what you are doing'! but also keep an eye on prices, Please : if I noticed one thing that concerned me, it is the cost of food and beverage and certain other services. the tourism industry is, as you know, very competitive and many other destinations, old and new, are competing for the same business. keeping an attractive and accessible price/quality relationship is essential for Jeju to maintain and grow its share of the new mega-markets of the future. nw