To further strengthen cooperation between the African and Asia Pacific travel and tourism industries, a two year partnership renewal has been signed.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Africa Travel Association (ATA) have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Since then, several exchanges and cooperative activities have been held under the auspices of the ATA-PATA MOU. These activities have included reciprocal visits and staff training, shared marketing opportunities at selected trade shows, and reciprocal participation and speaking opportunities at ATA and PATA events.

The renewed two-year MOU (August 2008 to August 2010) was signed by PATA President and CEO, Peter de Jong, and ATA Executive Director, Edward Bergman, on August 19, 2008. The MOU includes commitments to explore joint research projects and shared efforts to develop a sustainable tourism approach to climate change.

"ATA has gained much momentum in recent years and we are delighted to support their excellent work", said Mr. de Jong. "As Asia Pacific becomes a global leader, both as a destination and as a source market, we clearly have Africa in our sights as an important tourism partner, with ATA as its strategic voice."

"Both associations have renewed their commitment to engage in an ongoing dialogue to explore ways to support each others missions and goals," said Mr. Bergman. "By sharing and combining resources, we can be on the cutting edge of Africa-Asia Pacific tourism promotion and marketplace investment."

ABOUT THE AFRICA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (ATA)

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) is the world's premier travel industry trade association promoting tourism to Africa and intra-Africa travel and partnership since 1975. ATA members include ministries of tourism and culture, tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, travel trade media, PR firms, NGO's, and SME's. For more information, visit ATA online at www.africatravelassociaton.org.