PATA and Travel Unity Forge Alliance to Champion Diversity and Sustainability in Asia Pacific Tourism
(IN SHORT) PATA and Travel Unity have entered into a formal two-year partnership, as outlined in an MOU finalized in January 2025. This collaboration aims to foster a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. The partnership will facilitate joint initiatives such as cross-promotion of events, reciprocal speaking engagements, and exclusive member benefits like discounts and early bird deals. In addition, both organizations will focus on human capital development by launching workshops and cohort programs for PATA’s youth, covering topics such as sustainability and DEI. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and Travel Unity Executive Director Roni Weiss highlighted the partnership’s role in driving meaningful change and empowering diverse communities within the travel sector. The initiative reflects a shared vision of a future where the travel industry is not only economically robust but also socially inclusive and environmentally responsible.
(PRESS RELEASE) Bangkok, Thailand, 2025-Mar-17 — /Travel PR News/ — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Travel Unity, a New York-based non-profit devoted to promoting diversity in travel and tourism through community and individual empowerment, have formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Finalized in January 2025, this two-year agreement underscores both organizations’ dedication to cultivating a tourism industry that is more inclusive, accessible, and equitable, while also driving sustainable growth across the Asia Pacific region.
Under the new partnership, PATA and Travel Unity will join forces on a range of initiatives. Their collaboration will include the joint promotion of events and activities, reciprocal speaking engagements, and the provision of exclusive benefits to their members, such as discounts, early bird offers, and enhanced support in connecting with qualified buyers. In addition, the two organizations are set to launch a series of workshops and cohort programs targeted at PATA’s youth community. These sessions will cover critical topics like sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), aiming to educate and empower the next generation of industry leaders. Through these efforts, both PATA and Travel Unity are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and highly skilled workforce that will drive long-term capacity building and create robust career pathways in travel and tourism.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented, “This partnership with Travel Unity reaffirms our commitment to developing a tourism industry that embraces diversity and opens up opportunities for everyone. Together, we are poised to drive meaningful change, ensuring that travel remains a powerful force for connection, empowerment, and progress.”
Travel Unity Executive Director Roni Weiss added, “Travel Unity was founded on the belief that travel unites people from all walks of life. Our partnership with PATA enables us to extend the global reach of our inclusive practices into the Asia Pacific region. We are thrilled to work alongside PATA to create opportunities that empower individuals and communities, and to push the travel industry toward a more progressive and sustainable future.”
About Travel Unity
Travel Unity, founded in 2016, is a New York-based non-governmental organization committed to making the world of travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities. The organization educates the travel industry on inclusive practices and fosters connections with marginalized communities. Through certifications, workshops, events, and consulting, Travel Unity guides the global travel industry toward greater inclusivity. It also works to inspire the next generation by introducing youth to travel as a potential career path, building a more diverse and equitable future for the industry.
About the Pacific Asia Travel Association
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.
Media Contact:
Tel: +66 (0)2 658-2000
Fax: +66 (0)2 658-2010
Email: communications@PATA.org
Source: PATA
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