TRAVEL TITBITS

Koh Tao has been listed among the Top 10 Island Destinations in the World and the top Island Destination in Asia, according to the inaugural Travelers' Choice Islands awards of TripAdvisor, a global travel review website.

According to TripAdvisor Chief Marketing Officer Barbara Messing, the winners were based on the feedback of millions of travellers who rated the quality of the most highly-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions listed for each island on TripAdvisor during a 12-month period.

The awards recognised more than 100 islands across the globe, she said.

Heading the list is Ambergris Caye in Belize, followed by St John in the US, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, San Juan Island in Washington, USA, Santorini in Greece, Isla Mujeres in Mexico, Moorea in French Polynesia, Koh Tao in Thailand, Easter Island in Chile and Nosy Be in Madagascar.

Thailand boasts four of the top 10 islands in Asia _ Koh Tao (1st), Koh Lanta (3rd), Phuket (6th) and Koh Samui (7th).

"Whether you are looking for idyllic palm-lined islands, or islands that offer a more cultural experience, you will find inspiration in these lists," she said.

For the complete list of winners from the 2013 Travellers' Choice Islands, visit tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Islands.

Bangkok to host 2013 Pata Summit The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) will organise the 2013 Pata Annual Summit on April 26 in Bangkok.

The one-day summit will address the theme "Embracing the Complete Visitor Economy" with four key sessions: "Why the visitor economy is key for jobs and societal development", "Public sector challenges and opportunities inherent in politically advancing the complete visitor economy", "Private sector connecting the complete visitor economy" and "Strengthening weak links in the visitor economy".

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Thai islands rank top in Asia