PATA announces new policies at Bahrain meeting

The PATA Board of Directors approved new policies at the PATA Board of Directors meeting in Bahrain, January 17-19, 2003. The Board voted unanimously in favour of the following ten policy initiatives:-

1. Protect the industry and the region; position the Association as the pre-eminent leader on travel and tourism in the Pacific Asia region; and promote travel to and within the region, to the world

2. Use new technology  and media to directly address the consumer

3. Develop a strong, close and supportive relationship with China (PRC) and India

4. Add an “Allied Partner” membership category for government member bodies outside the PATA region

5. Create an “Individual Member” category

6. Draw more “Young Tourism Professionals” to PATA

7. Appoint a full-time PATA member staff at its headquarters to strengthen and empower the PATA chapter network

8. Provide membership benefits, goods and services only to members in good financial standing with the Association

9. Adopt a fiscal year based on the calendar year

10. Reduce the frequency of PATA Board of Director meetings from three to two times a year, effective from 2004.

The initiatives were announced one year after Mr. Peter de Jong became PATA President and CEO. Mr. de Jong said PATA was uniquely positioned as its region was the world’s fastest-growing destination and source market.

Commenting on PATA’s new brief, Mr. de Jong said: "While the challenges are enormous, so are the opportunities. If travel and tourism is to become a force for peace in our brave new world, then we must act now to protect our industry and help safeguard our region as a preferred destination."

He added: "For PATA to perform at its best in this new and difficult environment, we have had to confront some fundamental issues and make some strategic choices: ‘Should PATA assume an assertive, global advocacy role on behalf of Pacific Asia?’ ‘Should PATA begin to build a strong, direct relationship with the consumer?’ ‘Should PATA develop a close and special relationship with China and India, on behalf of our members?"

“We believe the answer to these three and various other important questions is a resounding ‘Yes, we must."

The next PATA Board of Directors meeting will be held in Bali, Indonesia, immediately prior to the 52nd PATA Annual Conference, April 13-17, 2003.