Bangkok, Thailand, 8 April 2008 — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has chosen Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as its Chairman-elect for 2008/2009 and Chairman of the Board for 2009/2010. This decision was made by members of the PATA Executive Committee at the PATA Board of Directors Meeting and the 57th Annual General Meeting held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during April 4-7, 2008.

Mrs. Phornsiri said, “This is certainly not an individual honour, but a national honour as well. It is an acknowledgement of Thailand’s active role in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry. PATA and Thailand’s tourism industry, and especially TAT, have grown together and are inseparable from one another.”

As PATA Chairman, she will have the opportunity to be the driving force in planning and implementing PATA‘s activities that will benefit its members in economic and social areas and be the agent for change as the tourism industry in the region expands and grows. She mentioned in Colombo that a main priority for her would be to strengthen the association’s membership structure by creating consistent interaction among PATA chapters, their members and the PATA Headquarters in Bangkok.

PATA was established in 1952 with the objective of developing and promoting the tourism industry in the Asia Pacific. The Association’s members comprise more than 1,000 organizations from 74 countries, as well as NTOs of 42 nations within the region; such as, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Japan, Maldives, etc. Besides NTOs, major stakeholders also include airlines, hotels, tour operators, cruise lines and those involved in this mega-industry.

TAT is one of the longest-serving member organizations of PATA, having been a member since TAT was established in 1960. Through TAT’s support, Thailand has hosted a number of PATA conferences, workshops and special projects, including several annual conferences where its members from around the world congregate. In 1998, TAT invited the Association to set up its Headquarters in Bangkok in which the PATA Board of Directors agreed to do so.

Another highlight PATA event that Thailand will next host is the PATA CEO Challenge 2008: Confronting Climate Change in Bangkok during 29-30 April, 2008. Climate change is a global issue that affects how we live, and also directly shapes the direction of the tourism industry now and in the future. Global travel industry leaders are saying it’s now time for travel businesses to adopt new attitudes towards the environment and social justice. Some have gone on to say that the success of the industry to protect the environment has a critical bearing on its survivability.

In fact, climate change was a much discussed topic at the Colombo meeting, among other issues facing the Association. All attending members agreed that Sri Lanka sets an excellent example as a destination that engages in tourism while displaying respect to the natural environment. Members had the opportunity to witness and delight in Sri Lanka’s exemplary work in not only environmental conservation, but also its projects in cultural heritage preservation. This is a result of initiatives at both the government and local levels. PATA President and CEO Peter de Jong commended Sri Lanka Tourism for positioning itself as a world leader in responsible tourism and for responding to the universal threat of climate change with the unique Earth Lung initiative.

Sri Lanka has set a target of 1 million foreign visitor arrivals for the year 2008. Tourism currently ranks as the fourth highest revenue earner for the country. Sri Lanka is a natural choice for travelers seeking a true tropical tourist destination infused with a rich history. Sri Lankans are known for their warm hospitality, and this is evident in its World Heritage Sites, numerous beaches and ecotourism sites.

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