BANGKOK, 18 March 2026: The PATA Foundation has appointed a new Board of Trustees to guide the organisation’s efforts to ensure that the next generation across Asia Pacific is equipped with the skills needed to build sustainable and thriving careers in tourism and hospitality.
Established as a charity organisation in the US in 1984, the PATA Foundation has donated over USD1.3 million to support human capital development in 38 destinations worldwide.
Andrew Jones, Guardian of Sanctuary Resorts, has been named Chair of the Foundation. A PATA Life Member, he has also served as Vice Chair and Trustee of the Foundation and Chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
Upon his appointment, Jones said: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PATA Foundation experienced a hiatus of activity. We are now fully operational and moving forward with renewed passion and purpose as our industry transitions from recovery to sustainable growth.”
He added, “Our vision and mission to safeguard the livelihoods of the underprivileged communities and support the responsible and sustainable environmental efforts of our industries remain as relevant as ever during this critical period. As the industry evolves, progress must be inclusive, and no one should be left behind.”
Alongside Jones, Simon Lloyd, Dean of Hospitality Management and Business Administration at Dusit Thani College, was appointed Vice Chair of the Foundation.
Three other members of the Board of Trustees comprise:
Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Symphony/Lighthouse Hotel PLC;
Sarah Mathews, CEO, e-Tourism Frontiers;
Stephen Pearce, Partner, Tourism and Leisure, Gaining Edge.
Access the PATA Foundation webpage to learn more about its mission and impact: www.patafoundation.org.
(Source: PATA)
