BANGKOK— The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) released a statement condemning the bombings in Bali on October 12 as acts of barbarity and cowardice, adding the organization hopes the incident will not deter people from traveling to the region. In a statement, PATA President and CEO Peter de Jong extended condolences to the families and friends of the dead and injured in the horrific bombings. Peter Semone, PATAs vp/development and a former long-time resident of Indonesia, is currently visiting Bali to meet with tourism officials and offer PATAs assistance. Semone is also in close contact with Gede Ardika, the Minister for Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. PATA has two upcoming events planned in Indonesia: the 1st PATA Sustainable Tourism Conference, scheduled to take place in Banten, Western Java, October 23-26, 2002; and the 52nd PATA Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Bali on April 13-17, 2003. PATA intends to go ahead with both events as planned, said de Jong. In coordination with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other partner organizations, PATA also plans to set up a Crisis Task Force to help the country address the challenges it faces in the weeks ahead.
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