Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, Chairman, PATA asks India Chapter to support PATA’s future course
According to Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, Chairman, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the India Chapter is a role model for other chapters because it has senior members of the industry at the leadership level as well as members, who must come forward to prepare the next generation professionals. Antunes is also the Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office. Visiting India for the first time after taking over as Chairman of PATA, he explored opportunities for closer cooperation in line with “PATA Next Gen” principles. According to him it should be a priority in India and throughout PATA to cultivate new blood to sustain the industry and embrace Next Gen initiatives. “We will create dedicated student chapters within the existing chapters to engage students and faculties of tourism and hospitality institutes to prepare younger generation for future leadership,” he added.
Antunes also met Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai and senior officials from tourism and aviation ministry during his visit to New Delhi to discuss tourism scenario in the region.
He recognised the vital role of the India Chapter, which was formed in 1974, as one of PATA’s oldest and largest chapters. “Now with more than 200 members from all sectors of the travel and tourism industry, it has successfully established itself as a leader, advocate and a catalyst for the responsible development of the Indian travel and tourism industry,” he added.
Replying to a question over PATA’s future agenda, he said that PATA is looking at expanding its horizon to other areas in the world. “We had discussions with Ambassadors of South American countries and we aim to expand PATA’s network to those countries,” he informed. Currently 41 PATA Chapters around the world assist local travel industry communities.
He added that PATA has been running a series of webinars to disseminate information regarding new strategies for a better understanding of complex crisis management issues related to risk assessment, regulations and standards as well as updates on innovative technologies that are enhancing crisis management preparedness. “We have the responsibility to create a comprehensive crisis management system by integrating the existing systems at different levels. Crisis management is a big concern today for destinations. PATA wants to create a platform so that we can respond to such situations as quickly as possible,” he said.
