PATA defiantly defends all individuals’ rights to travel

By Doug Newhouse |

Top Mario Hardy PataThe Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has underlined its total commitment to the priciple of the individual’s right to travel, as stated in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In what is clearly a matter of fundamental principle to the association, PATA’s statement today says it does recognise that each country has the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

 

Mario Hardy big

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy.

However, it adds that it is ‘fundamentally opposed to any form of blanket travel ban based upon nationality, gender, race, or religion.’

Underlining this principle, PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy made the following statement: “Safety is the number one priority for the travel and tourism industry and this may only be addressed effectively through the concerted efforts of the world’s governments and international community working together.

PATA SAYS US EXECUTIVE ORDER IS COUNTER PRODUCTIVE

“The travel and tourism industry accounts for nearly 10% of worldwide GDP. It is an industry that provides vital income and employment to local communities worldwide, whilst creating a pathway towards understanding and empathy across borders and cultures.

“The recent Executive Order in the USA goes against the principles of this idea. In the end, the actions in the USA may tarnish the image of the country and risks impacting its tourism arrivals. The lack of clarity around the implications of this Executive Order has created chaos in airports and is affecting travel businesses such as airlines, tour operators, hotels and travel agencies around the world.

 

“In the end, the actions in the USA may tarnish the image of the country and risks impacting its tourism arrivals”. PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy.

“The Association has been advocating improved visa facilitation for some time and last year we praised the Republic of Indonesia for its vision in easing access to the nation’s many attractions for tourists from 169 countries.

 

“Governments must build bridges, not walls, and we encourage all nations to work in harmony and unison to ensure that this vital industry remains profitable and sustainable for the benefit of all.”

For the uninitiated, PATA is a not-for profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. The Association, which celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2016, provides travel industry leadership and counsel to over 95 government, state and city tourism bodies and many hundreds of travel industry companies across Asia Pacific and beyond.

 

Asia & Pacific

Asia Pacific Travel Retail Awards: The Winners

TRBusiness and m1nd-set can today (13 March) reveal the winners of the 2024 Travel Retail...

The Americas

Details emerge of JFK T1 commercial programme and duty free tender

Qualified travel retail operators are being invited to participate in a request for proposals...

International

JCDecaux research offers major passenger insights

New research insights from Ipsos UK compiled for JCDecaux provide a revised outlook of air...

image description

In the Magazine

TRBusiness Magazine is free to access. Read the latest issue now.

E-mail this link to a friend