Industry stakeholders who have made outstanding contributions to responsibly develop and successfully promote travel and tourism in Asia Pacific can now submit entries to the 2008 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards programme.

PATA Gold Awards 2008 are open to both PATA members and non-members. The deadline for entries is April 30.

Judged by panels of experts, the Gold Awards recognise exceptional achievement in six broad categories:-

1) Marketing Campaign (six Gold Awards and one Grand Award)
2) Environment (three Gold Awards and one Grand Award)
3) Heritage & Culture (two Gold Awards and one Grand Award)
4) Education & Training (one Gold Award and one Grand Award)
5) Marketing Media (nine Gold Awards)
6) Travel Journalism (four Gold Awards)

In total, PATA will present up to 25 PATA Gold Awards and four elite PATA Grand Awards at a special luncheon on September 19, during PATA Travel Mart 2008 in Hyderabad, India.

Highlights of winning entries will be on display at the Mart for delegates to enjoy, and Award recipients will be featured in the ‘Winners' Showcase' souvenir booklet.

PATA Gold Award winners attract invaluable media coverage via PATA press releases and will be entitled to leverage the prestigious PATA Gold Awards 2008 logo on their websites and collateral.

Sponsored by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) for the past 12 years, the PATA Gold Awards set industry standards for excellence and innovation.

MGTO Director Mr João Manuel Costa Antunes said: "Our continuous support to this prestigious awards programme for 13 years mirrors Macau's strong commitment to contribute to the development of the travel industry in our region. By recognising outstanding achievements, we are also spurred to strive for excellence."

PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong said: "This year we encourage everyone to submit their entries in soft copy; to reduce pressures on our environment and to help us engage more international judges."