PATA and India to jointly promote Travel for LiFE in Asia-Pacific region

Source: The post is based on the article “PATA and India to jointly promote Travel for LiFE in Asia-Pacific region” published in “PIB” on 9th October 2023

What is the News?

Pacific Asia Travel Association(PATA) will work with India to expand the Travel for LiFE initiative across the Asia Pacific region.

The Ministry of Tourism will set up a PATA desk to strengthen engagement with PATA on Travel for LiFE and other areas of cooperation in the tourism sector.This is the first major international partnership for the Travel for Life program.

What is Travel for LiFE Initiative?

‘Travel for LiFE’ is a sectoral program under Mission LiFE targeted towards the tourism sector.

Launched on: September 27, 2023 on World Tourism Day.

Launched by: Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). 

The initiative embodies the ethos of “Pro Planet People” and operates on the fundamental principles of living “Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet, and by the planet”.

Aims: To bring about significant behavioral changes in both tourists and tourism businesses, with a strong emphasis on environmental protection and socio-cultural sustainability.

Themes: The program covers eight core themes including energy conservation, water preservation, reducing single-use plastic, waste reduction, supporting local businesses and communities, respecting local culture and heritage, consuming local foods, and preserving nature.

Certification: The initiative also goes beyond raising awareness.It encourages tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices and earn certification at bronze, silver, and gold levels within the program.

Significance: Travel for LiFE Program will position India as leader in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism and using tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

What is the Pacific Asia Travel Association(PATA)?

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) was founded in 1951.It is a not-for-profit membership-based association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.