Shanghai, 6th October  - Virtual PATA Travel Mart 2020 (vPTM) was completed on September 27, 2020. It was organized in conjunction with the Sichuan International Travel Expo (SITE), supported by Leshan Tourism Bureau, virtual platform powered by Dragon Trail attracted sellers and buyers from around 40 destinations. Total buyers were 150 from China, India, Australia, USA, Latin America, Europe, Pacific Islands. Only 20+ Chinese firms were present.

There are many first time virtual exhibitor including Tahiti Tourism, Slovenia, Azerbaijan, Samoa Tourism Authority, Solomon Tourism and Kiribati National Tourism Office attended PTM Virtual 2020. Through CTO interview, many of them experience some technical issues with the platform. However exhibitor are generally glad to meet with some buyers from several countries.

Virtual PATA Travel Mart attracted 1000 delegates during Sept 23-27 event. This is to compare with recent Samoa Tourism participation in Guangzhou CITIE 2020 live expo in September 11-13, where 1000 brochures was distributed in 1.5 days.

In conclusion, we believe technology is useful and important especially during Covid19 period, but we also think about the ROI, the right tool and how to make an effective campaign.