The COVID-19 pandemic presents a severe threat to the global economy and, in particular, the global travel and tourism industry. With mounting losses already approaching US$100 billion and more than 50 million jobs at risk globally, the travel and tourism industry is facing an existential crisis and needs to act now to preserve and protect a sector that is a vital contributor to the economic livelihood of millions of people around the world.
During times such as these, it is essential to have access to reliable data and information in order to enact a measured and balanced recovery strategy. However, many organisations are being inundated with holding statements, informational webinars and situational updates, while news sites, search engines and social media are being flooded with misinformation and panic. Therefore, what is needed most now is a unified trusted source of data and information that is fact checked and verified.
As a not-for-profit membership association, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is best placed to create a unified platform that provides reliable and up-to-date policy statements, authoritative information, and tourism indicators from around the globe.
With this in mind, we are in the process of setting up a PATA Crisis Resource Centre to collate reliable data and information to assist all industry stakeholders as they deal with the current crisis. We are currently asking governments, and international and national organisations to seek their assistance in collecting information on the aid packages available to businesses in their respective destinations.
In addition, we are also planning to add further data and information that will be useful to organisations as they deal with the current situation. While this is a much needed resource, we cannot do this alone and we encourage governments, partners, members and, international and national associations and organisations to assist us and support this initiative.
As the industry faces one of the greatest threats it has ever seen, this is not a time for competition between individuals and organisations, but a time for coordinated cooperation between all industry stakeholders. We need to take action now, and only by working together can we hope to build a more resilient, responsible, sustainable and stronger travel and tourism industry.
In the meantime, we all must continue to do our part and protect the health of our families, employees and the public. PATA will continue to stand by our members and industry colleagues during times such as these, and I hope that you will stand with us.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Mario Hardy,
Chief Executive Officer,
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
