The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is launching an appeal through the PATA Foundation to raise funds for disaster relief in Japan, following the devastation there. Said Bill Calderwood, interim CEO, PATA: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan; the kind of suffering and desolation sweeping through the country is hard to imagine. At the moment, all we can do from a distance is proactively arrange for relief measures in the form of monetary aid, which can then be effectively channelled to the affected areas through the PATA Japan Chapter. We urge all members of the travel and tourism industry to come together in a spirit of compassion and support us in this appeal.”

Said Terry Francis, chairman, PATA Foundation: “We will work closely with the PATA chapter in Japan to ensure the funds raised are directed to the most needy causes, with assistance reaching the affected communities as soon as is practical.”

Established in 1984, the PATA Foundation contributes to the sustainable and responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. It is a charitable body that is a natural extension of the Association’s dedication to the principles of conservation, and humanitarian support.