ETW Staff- Mumbai
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will focus efforts on implementing joint activities related to tourism. The MoU shows the membership commitment by both associations to enhance the role of the tourism sector and to develop the tourism industry in Asia and the Pacific.
The MoU was signed by Martin J Craigs, chief executive officer, PATA and Jungo Kikuma, chairman, JATA. The agreement commits the two organisations to continue their productive on-going cooperation through PATA’s participation in the annual JATA Tourism Expo Japan and JATA’s participation in PATA’s programme of work.
Craigs, said, “Japan is a giant of tourism, long valued for its high quality outbound sector. In recent years we have seen the rise of destination Japan as an inbound entity too. This is a desirable and sustainable trend that PATA is keen to support.”
Kikuma, said, “After the next 10 years, Asia will become the new centre of gravity of tourism in the world. Taking this time’s partnership opportunity and joining hands with PATA, we would like to make every effort for tourism vitalisation as a driving force in the world tourism market.”
JATA Tourism Expo Japan is internationally recognised as the one of the largest travel events in the world, presenting Japan as a tourism destination to a global audience. This year PATA will support a panel session at the Expo on September 26 with the theme, ‘The Rapidly Growing Asian Market and Its Significance for the Tourism Industry’. The panel will be moderated by PATA regional director – East Asia, Ivy Chee, with a presentation also being made by PATA CEO, Martin Craigs. The discussion will explore the rapidly expanding Asian travel market and reaffirm sustainable growth.
