The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is 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 COVID-19 crisis. 

 

According to a message from Pata CEO Mario Hardy, it is essential to have access to reliable data and information during times such as these 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," he said.

 

"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," he highlighted.

 

"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," he said.

 

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, Hardy pointed out.  "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," he said. - TradeArabia News Service