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 centre 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
PATA Annual Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. “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.” Mr 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”, he added.
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.
