Mekong Region Dominates PATA Grand Awards

Lanith (Laos) and TAT (Thailand) will take home two of just four PATA Grand Awards from a 21-April ceremony at the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Annual Conference in Kuala Lumpur, thus making the Mekong Region this year’s shining star.

Lanith (Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality) took the Education and Training Grand Award for its “Passport to Success” skills-training program launched in 2011, and the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) won the Environment Grand Award for its 7 Green Concepts.

Thailand also captured three of 23 PATA Gold Awards: the TAT nailed down the Ecotourism Project award with its Organic Farm at the Sukhothai Airport and the Heritage award for its efforts at Ban Na Ton Chan Community, while the Banyan Tree Spa Academy, Thailand took the Education and Training Gold

Long-time supporter and sponsor of the awards Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes spoke for the MGTO, saying, “Our applause goes to all the winners for their remarkable achievements. We are proud to commend their excellence as a sponsor to the PATA Gold Awards again this year.”

He added, “It is no easy task for the judges to determine the winners, given the number and quality of the entries, and the 27 PATA Grand and Gold Awards are testimonies to the efforts of these NTOs, organizations and individuals who have done their best in the sustainable development and promotion of the travel and tourism industry.”

Source: PATA Communications

For more information:

Visit: www.PATA.org, www.Lanith.com, www.tourismthailand.org