The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has honoured two tourism professionals in recognition of their contributions to the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region, at the PATA Board Dinner and Awards Presentation hosted by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in New Delhi on October 7.

PATA Life Membership, the Association’s highest individual honour, was conferred on Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Macao, China, in recognition of her significant leadership and invaluable dedication to PATA.

Sangeetha Liyanapathirana, Manager - Health, Hygiene and Sustainability at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka, received the PATA Face of the Future Award – the most prestigious honour for a young tourism professional in the Asia Pacific region – presented annually to an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry who has exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism.

It also acknowledges the commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission.

“The PATA Board Dinner taking place after PATA Travel Mart 2023 is the perfect opportunity to recognise industry professionals that have contributed to the responsible development of the travel and tourism industry,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone.

“This year’s recipients embody the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that is essential to the success of the industry.

“I would like to congratulate the winners for their valuable contributions and also thank them for their continued support to both PATA and the travel and tourism industry.”

Meanwhile, PATA honoured the accomplishments of two PATA Chapters and two Student Chapters at the awards presentation ceremony in New Delhi.

Semone said: “The PATA Chapters and Student Chapters willingly volunteer their own time and effort to support the Association’s values, and we recognise their importance in creating a responsible and sustainable travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region and beyond through their grassroots activism. These awards celebrate their voluntary efforts, and I would like to personally congratulate all the winners of this year’s awards.”

The 2023 PATA Award of Excellence was presented to the PATA India Chapter, and the PATA India Christ 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 India CHRIST University Student Chapter was recognized for creating opportunities for the development of future young tourism professionals.

V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Chairperson, PATA India Chapter accepted the award on behalf of the Chapter.

Shambhavi Singh, Chairperson, PATA India Christ University Student Chapter and Sadhika Saloni Sahoo, Vice Chair, PATA India Christ University Student Chapter, accepted the award on behalf of the Student Chapter.

PATA presented the 2023 Spirit of PATA Award to Datuk Musa Hj Yusof, Chairman of the PATA Malaysia 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 Best Sustainability Initiative was awarded to the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter for their great dedication and contribution in the responsible and sustainable development in the travel and tourism industry.

Hnin Wai Wai Khaing, Chairperson, PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter and Aung Zwe Wint, Secretary, PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, accepted the award on behalf of the Student Chapter. – TradeArabia News Service