Hong Kong has been chosen to host the 2006 Pacific Asia Travel Association Travel Mart in September.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board said today at the association's annual conference in Pattaya, Thailand, that the selection follows a successful bid process, in which 41 members were invited to take part.

As one of the largest travel-trade events in the Asia-Pacific, Travel Mart will attract thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the world and provide an excellent platform for the local trade to develop new business.

To maximise contracting and networking opportunities, the tourism board will work together with PATA to mobilise key trade associations to form buyer delegations to the Mart.

The board will also offer tailor-made tours to delegates, highlighting Hong Kong's major tourism developments and the existing diversity of attractions, and hidden treasures.