PATA forges new partnership with Africa Travel Association

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Africa Travel Association (ATA), a division of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), is set to strengthen the tourism links between the continent of Africa and the Asia Pacific region. The two organisations have agreed to cooperate in a number of areas including market intelligence and proprietary research; conferences and events; advocacy themes and grassroots development through Chapter networks. ATA will also contribute content for the PATA monthly Visitor Economy Bulletin and for the dedicated PATA website on sustainability. PATA will be seeking to use the good offices of the Africa Travel Association to strengthen further its presence throughout the continent. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority recently became the first government member from Africa to join the Pacific Asia Travel Association. PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said” “I am very pleased that there is shared determination within our organisations to forge this new Memorandum of Understanding into a worthwhile partnership that produces tangible and mutually beneficial benefits for ATA, PATA and all our members. “The demand from source markets across the Asia Pacific to visit tourist destinations in Africa is unprecedented. We look forward to helping ATA and the nations of Africa as they bid to maintain a balanced and sustainable approach to managing even greater numbers of visitors to some of the world’s most famous attractions and landmarks.” Stephen Hayes, president and CEO of CCA, said: “We believe an active Memorandum of Understanding with PATA is important to our plans to strengthen tourism to Africa. The potential for tourism in Africa is enormous and it offers very significant opportunities for business as well as environmental awareness. We couldn’t ask for a better partner.”