PATA GOLD AWARDS RECOGNISE THE BEST OF THE INDUSTRY

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is welcoming entries until January 10 for the 2001 Gold Awards -- the Pacific Asia travel industry's premier awards programme recognising excellence, innovation and dedication in a variety of endeavours.

PATA CEO Mr. Joseph A. McInerney said: "The great number of competitive entries that we have received over the years proves that the travel industry is creative and eager to innovate."

PATA will present Grand Awards ("best of show") in the following categories: Environment, Education & Training, Heritage & Culture and Marketing. Gold Awards will be given in these categories and others such as travel journalism, public relations and advertising. The PATA Gold Awards competition is sponsored by the Macau Government Tourist Office.

Award recipients will be honoured during a special luncheon at the 50th PATA Annual Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 8-12, 2001, and will also be featured in the PATA 2001 Conference Daily. The winning entries will be on display at the conference for all delegates to enjoy.

The Gold Awards programme is open only to PATA-member organisations, with the following exceptions: PATA Chapters may enter the Environment, Heritage & Culture and Education & Training categories. The Travel Journalism category is open to all published writers and photographers.