Tourism Pioneer Who Helped Establish NATAS Fair Dies To Covid-19

By now, you would surely have heard of the indomitable COVID-19, an infectious pathogen that took root in Wuhan, China and has since spread its toxicity to 73 countries in the world right now, excluding China.

Apart from claiming thousands of lives worldwide, the virus has also struck fear into the majority of the human population, sparking panic buys everywhere and inciting fights over possessions as mundane as masks.

Truly, it’s a terror nobody saw coming, and a disease the world is keen to be rid of.

Yet, it’s with our deepest regret that we announce the cold truth: thousands and thousands of innocent civilians will be unable to see the dawn of a new age when the time comes…

Including this tourism pioneer who played a key role in the establishment of the NATAS Fair.

Tourism Pioneer Who Helped Establish NATAS Fair Dies To Covid-19

On 3 March 2020, Global Travel Media unveiled some saddening news on its website:

James Kwan, the founder of Wel-Travel and ATEC, has passed away on 1 March 2020 after his health deteriorated rapidly due to the COVID-19 virus.

The tourism pioneer was a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

“It is with great sadness that we write to inform all members of the passing of James Kwan early Sunday morning after his health deteriorated rapidly due to the Covid-19 virus,” Global Travel Media wrote.

“James had been a passenger, along with his wife and family on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.”

A Key Figure In Asia Tourism

According to the site, James has a whole host of accolades to his name and was considered a key figure in the development of important inbound tourism markets including Malaysia, Singapore, China, India and Indonesia.

“James was a true pioneer of Asian inbound tourism to Australia, after founding Wel-Travel in 1988, paving the way in developing important inbound tourism markets including Malaysia, Singapore, China and India and Indonesia.

The Kwan family made a significant contribution to WA’s economy before expanding its inbound travel business nationally.

Helped Established NATAS Fair 30 Years Ago

“Prior to founding Wel-Travel in 1988, James was the Singapore based director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association (HKTA) where he was instrumental in establishing the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) Trade Fair in Singapore which continues to be a success 30 years on.”

That’s right. if you enjoy the deals at NATAS fair, he was one of the people who made it possible.

He was also a founding member of the Western Australian Tour Operators Association (WAITO), which was later merged into the incoming Tourism Operators Association and subsequently renamed as ATEC.

He reportedly stayed on the ATEC National Board from 2001-2005 and was also a founding member of the ATEC’s Asian Tourism Advisory Panel (now called the Market Advisory Panel).

A True Industry Leader

Additionally, James was described as a “measured and pragmatic” man, who was respected by the inbound industry, particularly in his home state of Western Australia.

He’s also said to be a generous man who would share his knowledge and help others to grow, frequently “mentoring young and aspiring members of the tourism industry”. And he reportedly possesses a fine sense of humour as well.

“He was the life of many industry functions, very entertaining with his sense of humour and we will all miss his wry jokes and quick wit,” the site wrote.

At the current moment, James’ wife Theresa remains in hospital in Perth. James is the first Aussie to fall prey to the COVID-19.

Our sincere condolences and we hope that James will be able to rest in peace…

Alongside the thousands of other victims, whom we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to as well.

Let’s stay safe people.

Together, we can overcome this giant lemon life has thrown at us.

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