PATA launches new microsite for knowledge sharing and resources on sustainability

BANGKOK & BERLIN – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) launched its new microsite, sustain.pata.org. The site, a new online tool for information on sustainable and socially responsible travel and tourism issues, is supported in part by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and by EarthCheck.
 

PATA CEO Mario Hardy said, “Sustainability is an integral piece of the puzzle in our industry today. We are excited to announce that with the launch of the new site, the Association highlights and addresses that issue. Our aim is to have the site become the ‘go to’ resource for all things related to sustainable and socially responsible tourism.”
 

One of the most exciting features of the site is a suite of case studies from Sustainable Tourism Online, which has been made available for download on sustain.pata.org, courtesy of EarthCheck, which includes examples of more than 800 best practice initiatives. The case studies are the result of more than US$260 million worth of research from the Australian government. They focus on destinations and communities, business operations, and parks and culture, and the different processes of sustainable tourism development.
 

EarthCheck CEO Stewart Moore noted that, “EarthCheck is excited about providing this ecotourism reference library for PATA members. The EarthCheck Research Institute, a not-for-profit company, will continue to refresh and update sustain.pata.org with case studies and procedural advice on how to take action.”
 

“This year EarthCheck will also work with PATA and APEC to launch our Leading Destinations of the World program. Where we will provide destinations with a one stop shop with everything they need for destination management, planning and product development,” added Moore.
 

Klaus Lengefeld, Sector Leader Sustainable Tourism of GIZ, is highly appreciative of the efforts of PATA for mainstreaming sustainability into their different activities such as the PATA events, media and information, and other services. “Given the fact that there is no single website offering different types of information on sustainability in tourism for Asia-Pacific, this new and interactive offer will support the increasing efforts of the tourism sector not only in this dynamic growing region, but is also open for users around the world who will have access to well-selected information on the latest in tourism sustainability.”
 

The site also features quick and easy facts and figures, tips and tools, a curated library of recommended reading, as well as other resources such as a calendar of sustainable tourism conferences events around the world, a glossary, and facts and statistics. Future plans for the site include more blog posts, and increased opportunities to engage.
 

All materials submitted to sustain.pata.org are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – NonCommercial 4.0 International License.