Advancing economic diversification, cultural and environmental preservation through tourism are said to be the key objectives of a new Strategic Partnership signed between U.N. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) on the occasion of the PATA Annual Summit (25-28 April, Bangkok, Thailand).

The lasting support to the development objectives and the positioning of tourism as a central contributor to economic growth and sustainability in Asia are at the center of the strategic partnership signed by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, and PATA CEO, Martin Craigs.
“We are proud to further deepen our relationship with PATA, a leading voice of tourism in Asia Pacific”, said Taleb Rifai, attending the summit in Bangkok. “In providing market intelligence, setting global standards and joining our voices to advocate for the value of tourism, this partnership will help the continued growth of tourism in Asia and the spreading of its socio-economic benefits in one of the most dynamic regions of the world,” he added.

“On behalf of PATA members, public and private, large and small across the 17 time zones and 104 destinations we serve, I am delighted to initiate the new Strategic Partnership with UNWTO.”

Craigs said: “I’m warmly welcoming Taleb Rifai to PATA’s first Next Generation Summit and the 62nd AGM. PATA’s balanced business building embracing the Complete Visitor Economy are closely aligned to UNWTO’s vital global mission.”

The Strategic Partnership includes a series of projects, such as a PATA/UNWTO Forum on Marketing Outlook and joint research. The first research initiative will address air connectivity and its impact on tourism in the Asia-Pacific region, and is expected to be implemented already this year, in collaboration with the Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia-Pacific Cities (TPO). Other topics include visa facilitation, taxation, aviation policies as well as consumer and enterprise protection.

The UNWTO/PATA partnership builds on a track record of successful joint activities, such as the annual UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook, launched in 2007 in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Municipal Government of Guilin in China.