The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) have announced the launch of the Tourism InSPIRE Awards 2015 to recognise organisations and businesses that demonstrate excellence in social, environmental, and economic sustainability in tourism.

This new award programme, supported by EU-SWITCH-Asia RPSC (Regional Policy Support Component), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and PATA, identifies and commends excellence in sustainable tourism by granting awards to travel and tourism organisations that demonstrate outstanding practices and performance within the three pillars of sustainability. Award criteria were developed based upon sustainable consumption and production principles and existing, internationally recognised sustainable tourism standards such those developed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

PATA CEO Mario Hardy said, “This is an exciting joint initiative, which celebrates best practices in tourism by recognising those organisations that demonstrate leadership in sustainable tourism. It is a wonderful opportunity for the Asian tourism industry to share their stories with the rest of the community, exemplifying what can be done to make a sustainable and lasting impact in our community.”