The President of Timor-Leste, H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, will deliver a 15-minute speech to welcome delegates to PATA Travel Mart 2003 on October 1. "To have the head of state of the world's newest nation open our travel mart is indeed an honour for PATA," said Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) President and CEO, Mr. Peter de Jong.

Formerly known as East Timor, the sovereign state of Timor-Leste will exhibit at a travel trade event for the first time when it sets up its booth at the Mart. "Timor-Leste is embracing travel and tourism as a major component in its economic development," said Mr. de Jong. "The Mart is their first foray in actively promoting the nation's many unique tourism assets."

In April, Timor-Leste joined PATA as a government member following a trip to Dili by PATA Vice President, Mr. Peter Semone. Mr. Semone met with Prime Minister, Mr. Mari Alkatiri and Secretary of State of Tourism, Environment and Investment, Mr. Jose Teixeira.

"Timor Leste has world-class beaches and scuba diving plus numerous land-based attractions," Mr. Semone said. "The destination needs investment and has a very bright tourism future ahead of it."