Weekly Chapter Update: PATA at ATF, New Chapter, and New Appointments

Author: Ben Montgomery
Posted: Thu 19 Jan, 2012 12:14 PM

PATA Applauded for Advocacy at ATF

PATA CEO Martin Craigs and I attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum last week in Manado, Indonesia. Apart from speaking at ASEAN Tourism Conference on January 13, Martin had numerous meetings with tourism ministers of ASEAN countries which lead to opportunities to work together in the future. The government sector appreciates Martin for taking an advocacy role against the UK Air Passenger Duty which will damage travel from UK into Asia. You will hear more from Martin on this issue.

North Sulawesi Chapter Ahoy!

For PATA Chapter development, I am very happy to report that we are reviving the PATA North Sulawesi Chapter together with our long-time PATA combatant, Jeremy Barns. There are sustainable tourism development issues that need care and attention from local government bodies, local people, tourists and tourism stakeholder. We believe that the PATA North Sulawesi Chapter could provide a good platform to bring all parties together.

At the ATF in Manado, Jeremy gave Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy the PATA Task Force Report that was done for North Sulawesi in 2000 called, “Charting a New Direction for Sustainable Tourism in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.” Jeremy said it was a “must-see” report which is still extremely useful and up-to-date for North Sulawesi’s sustainable tourism development. Welcome back – Northern Sulawesi Chapter!

New Appointments

Congratulations and welcome on board two new PATA Chapter Chairmen. The new UK Chapter Chairman is Chris Lee of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The new Bali Chapter Chairman is Herdy Sayogha of The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa.

Also, I would like to say “welcome on board” to our new colleague at PATA HQ, Ivy Chee, Regional Director – Asia. You can reach her at Ivy@PATA.org. Ivy represents PATA Next Generation!

Till next week, take care.