Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) China announced the signing of a strategic partnership with SinoTech Group.

Following a successful networking last week, “Leveraging Social Media for Engaging Consumers” the organizations have agreed to look at other ways to expand their cooperations.

Kate Chang, Director for PATA China said, “The event last week showed that there is much interest from our travel and hospitality members in the area of online marketing.” This event had over 100 people attended and saw Mr. Hou Zhengang, Director General and Mr. Xin Hong Ye, Division Director of IT Centre of CNTA (China National Tourism Administration) attend.

Following the opening by Mr Hou, various speakers from SinoTech Group, Renren.com, RIM Blackberry and Accor Hotels provided insights and practical examples of using social media channels and other digital marketing channels in driving sales and building brands online.

“The move by travel, hospitality and tour operators to promoting themselves online is not just a shift in thinking in China but is a trend globally”, said Dr Mathew McDougall, CEO for SinoTech Group. “I was encouraged by the numbers of hotels and airlines looking at doing more in this area this year. Therefore, it is a privilege to be a member of PATA and to be signing a strategic partnership”, added Dr McDougall.

Under the partnership, SinoTech Group is the preferred supplier of Digital Marketing services for PATA members for 2 years. PATA and SinoTech Group will work together in providing PATA members access to knowledge, research and services to increase their business sales and online branding.