PATA way to go
Capilano University's School of Tourism Management recently launched Canada's first student chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
The chapter connects tourism students across the Pacific Ocean to create and develop global networks, learn from each other and increase understanding of global issues in tourism.
We are all very excited to establish the first PATA student chapter in Canada here at Capilano University, says Shaun McGrath, the new chapters chairperson. I have spent a significant amount of time travelling through Pacific Asia and have seen firsthand the amazing work that PATA does within the region. It felt right to establish a student chapter here.
PATA is a non-profit travel trade association that serves government tourism offices, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies in Asia Pacific. Since its foundation in 1951, PATA has achieved international acclaim by acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.
Seventeen PATA student chapters are scattered across Asia, from Dhaka, Bangladesh in the west to Manila, Philippines in the east, with another chapter in Hawaii. CapU's student chapter is the nineteenth.
As we are the first in Canada, this caught the attention of universities in Asia that have PATA student chapters, McGrath adds. They are intrigued to see how we develop.
McGrath, who recently completed his first year in CapU's Bachelor of Tourism Management program, is grateful for support and guidance that Chris Bottrill, dean of the Faculty of Global and Community Studies and PATA executive board member, and Stephanie Wells, co-chair of the School of Tourism Management, have and continue to provide the student chapter.
Chapter meetings are held once a month, on campus, and plans are underway to support PATA initiatives throughout the school year.
Submitted by: Communications & Marketing