PATA na bikin PATA Chapters da Student Chapters a Macao SAR

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) celebrated the accomplishments of PATA Chapters and Student Chapters on Saturday, September 16 during the PATA Board Dinner and Chapter Awards Presentation. The event was hosted by the PATA Macao SAR Chapter.

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “PATA recognises that Chapter and Student Chapter members volunteer their own time and effort to support the Association’s values. Their grassroots activism is fundamental as we strive constantly to fulfill the objectives of the Association. This was the perfect opportunity to showcase those Chapters and Student Chapter that have worked tirelessly towards the responsible development of the travel and tourism industry.”

During the evening, PATA presented the 2017 Spirit of PATA Award to the PATA Malaysia Chapter and Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Tayab, Chairman of the PATA Malaysia 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 PATA Micronesia Chapter and the PATA Singapore Temasek Polytechnic (TP) Student Chapter for their dedication to 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.

Ms Pilar Laguana, Chairperson of the PATA Micronesia Chapter, accepted the award, while three representatives accepted the award on behalf of the PATA Singapore Temasek Polytechnic (TP) Student Chapter, namely Denise Tan, Events Director; Jolyn Lim, Sub-Committee Member, and Chevonne Ng – Sub-Committee Member.

The PATA Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals was awarded to the PATA Nepal Chapter and Chapter Chairman Suman Pandey for their great dedication and contribution in engaging with young tourism professionals in promoting the industry.

The evening ended with a PATA Special Award, which was presented to PATA Macao SAR Chapter Chairperson Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. The Special Award recognises her invaluable support for PATA Travel Mart 2017 (PTM 2017) and the PATA Executive Board and Board Meetings that were held in Macao SAR.

During PTM 2017 and the PATA Executive Board and Board Meetings, Chapters were present from many nations including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Finland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (ROK), Macao SAR, Malaysia, Micronesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom & Ireland and the USA. PATA was also pleased to welcome 37 young tourism professionals including PATA Student Chapter members from Canada Vancouver Capilano University, China Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hong Kong Polytechnic, Macao SAR, Nepal, Singapore Temasek Polytechnic and University of Guam.