The potential for sustainable growth in the Asia Pacific region is vast, however much still needs to be done to educate, convince and raise awareness amongst key decision makers. A gap exists and GSTC is ideally position to provide the resources to build that bridge in the Asia Pacific region.
BANGKOK – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) took significant steps towards promoting a sustainable future for the tourism industry by gaining a seat on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Board of Directors.
PATA Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist, Ms. Chi Lo was appointed to the GSTC Board earlier this month, along with three returning board members, Kelly Bricker, Herbert Hamele, and Jennifer Seif.
“I am excited, and truly honored to be a part of the GSTC Board of Directors and am looking forward to working with this esteemed group,” said Ms. Lo. “I hope to make the most of this appointment in continuing to foster a stronger relationship between GSTC and PATA, while forging new links and partnerships across Asia Pacific.”
Ms. Lo’s appointment will provide GSTC with greater representation in the Asia Pacific region, which has to date, largely focused its efforts in Europe and the Americas. This partnership reinforces PATA’s commitment to promoting the sustainable development of the tourism industry
“I have to say well done and well deserved to Chi in pushing forward with PATA’s strategic commitment to the development of responsible and sustainable tourism,” said Martin Craigs, PATA CEO. “Sustainability is becoming more prominent in the visitor economy and at PATA, and we support the mission of the GSTC in showing how sustainable efforts can help build the business in a culturally and environmentally responsible way.”
The appointment comes on the heels of a grant received by PATA from the German International Cooperation Agency, GIZ to support the implementation of the sector project – Sustainable Development through Tourism Project in the Asia Pacific region.
Ms. Lo currently serves on the GSTC Knowledge Network Education & Training (KNET) Working Group, and hopes to join forces with the PATA Education & Training Committee to ensure that sustainable tourism is embedded into the tourism education system.
Through the KNET committee, GSTC will set up focal points in global regions to facilitate/coordinate Knowledge Networking between sustainable tourism related stakeholders including governmental and administration bodies, tourism associations and businesses, NGOs, education and training bodies. This project is due to be launched in early 2014.
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