BANGKOK, 24 June 2019; Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Thailand Chapter named Thai Airways International vice president of sales Nond Kalinta as chairman of its executive board.
He takes the chair from Pacific World Meetings & Events’ Nino Jotikasthira, who now assumes the role of chapter treasurer.
“I am proud to be granted this leadership position. Thai Airways International as the national airline, together with Thai Smile Airways, are ready to support activities and back PATA policy that has served the country’s tourism so well for many decades,” said Nond.
He has extensive airline industry experience having served as director for Japan, Korea and North America; director for Europe, Africa, Asia and Middle East Department and general manager for Federal Republic of Germany, Republic Austria and eastern Europe.
PATA Thailand Chapter’s newly elected executive board comprises of Ben Montgomery, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Nino Jotikasthira, Pacific World Meetings & Events (Thailand), Asst Prof Dr Paithoon Monpanthong, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Chotechuang Soorangur, – NS Travel & Tours Co Ltd, Steve Ross, Ross Publishing Ltd (TTR Weekly), Dr Jutamas Wisansing (Ph.D), Perfect Link Consulting Group Co. Ltd., and representatives from Thai Airways International and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Phornsiri Manoharn, advisor to PATA Thailand Chapter said: “We are most delighted to welcome Nond Kalinta as the new chairman. PATA Thailand Chapter has been instrumental in connecting all stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry to work together and enhance the growth of Thailand in global markets for decades.
“Thai Airways International, being the country’s national airline, also has played a major role in promoting Thailand as the must-visit destination and significantly contributes to the growth of our industry and related sectors.”
Veteran tour operator Luzi Matzig, chairman of Asian Trails, added: “With Nond of TG as PATA Thailand Chapter’s incoming chairman we look forward to increased support from all sectors in Thailand’s Tourism Industry.”
PATA Thailand Chapter has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NIDA’s Graduate School of Tourism Management (GSTM). The faculty will provide secretariat services and tourism intelligence support to the chapter.
The new executive board has set its vision to expand its academic network by working closely with colleges and universities around the country.
The first meeting to take the vision to the next level convened 21 June at PATA Engagement Hub attracting 50 university representatives.
