The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) honored the accomplishments of three PATA Chapters and one Student Chapter in Langkawi, Malaysia on Saturday, September 15 during the PATA Board Dinner and Chapter Awards Presentation, hosted by Tourism Malaysia.
PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “The PATA Chapter and Student Chapters, through their grassroots activism and activities, play an integral part in fulfilling the objectives of the Association. These awards highlight their voluntary efforts in supporting the Association’s values in working towards the responsible development of the travel and tourism industry.”
During the evening, PATA presented the 2018 Spirit of PATA Award to Mr. Chris Crampton, Chairman of the PATA UK & Ireland Chapter, who received the award on behalf of the Chapter. The Spirit of PATA Award is given to the Chapter that best illustrates the aims and objectives of PATA consistently and progressively over a number of years.
The PATA Award of Excellence was presented to the PATA India Chapter, and the PATA Canada Vancouver Capilano University Student Chapter. The PATA India Chapter was honoured for their dedication in the development of travel to, from and within the Asia Pacific region over the previous two years in a manner consistent with the aims and objectives of PATA, while the PATA Canada Vancouver Capilano University Student Chapter was recognized for creating opportunities for the development of future young tourism professionals.
Mr. Runeep Sangha, Executive Director of the PATA India Chapter, accepted the award, while Ms. Stephanie Wells, Advisor for the PATA Canada Vancouver Capilano University Student Chapter, accepted the award on behalf of the Student Chapter.
The PATA Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals was awarded to the PATA Nepal Chapter for their great dedication and contribution in engaging with young tourism professionals in promoting the industry. Mr Bibhuti Chand Thakur, General Secretary of the PATA Nepal Chapter, accepted the award on behalf of the PATA Nepal Chapter.
During PATA Travel Mart 2018 and the PATA Executive Board and Board Meetings in Langkawi, Malaysia, Chapters were present from many destinations including Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Finland, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Nepal, San Jose, Sri Lanka, Thailand, San Jose, Singapore, Thailand, and UK & Ireland. PATA was also pleased to welcome 44 young tourism professionals including PATA Student Chapter members from Bangladesh Dhaka University, Capilano University, Taylor’s University in Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines LPU-Manila, and Singapore Temasek Polytechnic.
