PATA Celebrates PATA Chapters and Student Chapters’ Accomplishments in Bangkok, Thailand
PATA Face of the Future 2024 Honoured for Outstanding Achievements
Photo: PATA Chair Peter Semone and CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid presenting awards to PATA Chapters and PATA Student Chapters
Top Row, first photo: L/R: San Jeet, Executive Board Member, PATA; Runeep Sangha, Executive Director, PATA India Chapter; and Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Top Row, second photo: L/R: Suresh Singh Budal, CEO, PATA Nepal Chapter; Narendra Bhatta, General Secretary, PATA Nepal Chapter; and Khem Lakai, Chairman, PATA Nepal Chapter
Top Row, third photo: L/R: Ben Montgomery, Chairperson, PATA Thailand Chapter; Watana Limnararat, Managing Director, Pacific Leisure & TCC Group; and Simon Lloyd, Dean, International Programs, Dusit Thani College
Top Row, fourth photo: L/R: Aung Zwe Wint, Chairperson, PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter
Bottom Row, first photo: L/R: Jonathan Low, Executive Committee Member, PATA Malaysia Chapter
Bottom Row, second photo: L/R: Rajesvare Rada, Senior Lecturer, HELP University
Bottom Row, third photo: Chau Anh Luu, Chairperson, PATA British University Vietnam (BUV) Student Chapter
Bottom Row, fourth photo: Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter
Bottom Row, fifth photo: Abdulla Ghiyas, President, PATA Maldives Chapter
BANGKOK, September 2, 2024 – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) recognised six PATA Chapters and three Student Chapters for their commitment to advancing the travel and tourism industry at the PATA Power of Networking session, held at Abandoned Mansion Bangkok on Thursday, August 29. At the gathering, the 2024 PATA Face of the Future award and certificates of recognition had also been formally presented to the winners.
During the event, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid reflected on the purpose of the PATA Chapter & Student Chapter Awards, stating, “These awards were established to honour the unwavering commitment of our Chapters and Student Chapters in advancing the travel and tourism industry. They also highlight the vital role these groups play in organising impactful training programmes and business development events across the globe, all while carrying forward PATA’s mission to foster meaningful partnerships that enhance the value, quality, and sustainable growth of travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region.”
He continued, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all participants and warmly congratulate the winners. Your success is an inspiration to us all, and I am confident that you will continue to lead with the same passion and dedication in the years to come.”
The Spirit of PATA Award was presented to the PATA India Chapter for consistently embodying the Association’s mission and values for over five consecutive years. Runeep Sangha, Executive Director of the chapter, alongside Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and San Jeet, PATA Executive Board member, accepted the award on its behalf.
Three chapters were honoured with the Awards of Excellence:
PATA Nepal Chapter, represented by Chairman Khem Lakai, CEO Suresh Singh Budal, and General Secretary Narendra Bhatta
PATA Thailand Chapter, represented by Chairperson Ben Montgomery, Pacific Leisure & TCC Group Managing Director Watana Limnararat, and Dusit Thani College International Programs Dean Simon Lloyd
PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, represented by Chairperson Aung Zwe Wint
These chapters and the student chapter demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing the travel and tourism industry within the Asia Pacific region, in alignment with PATA’s mission.
The Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals Award was presented to the PATA Malaysia Chapter for its remarkable support of young tourism professionals and educational institutions over the past year. Jonathan Low, a member of the chapter’s Executive Committee, accepted the award on its behalf.
The Best Sustainability Initiative Award was presented to the PATA Malaysia HELP University Student Chapter for its innovative and impactful sustainability projects. Rajesvare Rada, Senior Lecturer at HELP University, accepted the award on behalf of the chapter.
In recognition of its exceptional performance in its inaugural year, the PATA British University Vietnam (BUV) Student Chapter was presented with the Best Newcomer Award. The chapter’s Chairperson, Chau Anh Luu, accepted the award on stage.
Special Recognition Certificates were awarded to the PATA Maldives Chapter and the PATA New York Chapter for their steadfast commitment to promoting responsible travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. This recognition underscores the Association’s appreciation of their continued progress and achievements. Abdulla Ghiyas, President, PATA Maldives Chapter and Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter received the awards on behalf of their respective chapters.
Photo: Mayur Patel, Executive Board Member, PATA and Head of Asia, OAG presenting awards and certificates to PATA Face of the Future 2024 winners
Jane Park, Assistant Manager - F&B Revenue Management & Operations at Hotel ICON, who was named PATA Face of the Future 2024 earlier this month, was officially presented with her award during the event. Additionally, Karnchana Phakpho, Chairperson of the International Tourism and Hospitality Management Programme at Bangkok University, was honoured with a certificate of recognition for her excellence in strategic management.
Although Amine Gabbouj, Coordinator of the IGLTA Foundation, could not attend the event in person, his contributions to sustainability initiatives were recognised on stage alongside his fellow award recipients.
