Oct 09: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), has committed to work with India to expand the Travel for LiFE initiative across the Asia Pacific region.
India hosted the 46th edition of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023 from Oct 4 to Oct 6 at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC), Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi. PATA Mart saw the participation of around 1000 delegates, is one of the major international trade exhibitions catering to the tourism sector and it serves as a platform for trade interactions between global buyers and sellers.
Besides facilitating trade interactions between buyers and Sellers, the PTM 2023 also included thought-provoking knowledge sessions at the PATA Forum and youth engagement at the PATA Youth Symposium. The Travel for LiFE initiative was showcased by the Ministry across all the events and it generated huge interest from the international travel trade community
The Travel Mart was followed by the PATA Board meeting held where the Ministry of Tourism shared the Travel for LiFE initiative with the Board members. PATA Board appreciated the initiative and the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India will work with PATA to expand the initiative across the Asia Pacific region.
It may be recalled that New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration 2023 during the G20 summit under India’s Presidency noted the launch of “Travel for LiFE” and supported the development of smart destinations that are responsible and sustainable. Travel for LiFE, a sectoral programme initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, aligns with the philosophy of the Mission LiFE.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was formally launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 19th October 2022, in the presence of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. It is a global mass movement led by India urging individuals and communities to act for the protection of the environment against the effects of climate change.
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 after its global launch on September 27, 2023, World Tourism Day. The Ministry of Tourism is already working with UNEP and UNWTO on strengthening the TFL program.
Travel for LiFE embodies the spirit of the Pro Planet People and functions on the basic principles of “Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet”. It aspires to bring large-scale behavioural change amongst tourists and tourism businesses, which will have a significant impact on environmental protection while ensuring socio-cultural sustainability.
The Travel for LiFE program has identified an illustrative list of actions that are designed in line with the eight themes of Travel for LiFE – Save Energy, Save Water, Say No to Single Use Plastic, Reduce Waste, Empower Local Businesses and Communities, Respect Local Culture and Heritage, Consume Local Foods and Conserve Nature
Going a step further, the Travel for LiFE Program also aims to inspire Tourism Businesses to deepen their sustainability practices by observing adherence to the Travel for LiFE- Signed up badge. Subsequently, the tourism businesses can go for the Travel for LiFE certification in bronze, silver and gold.
The Ministry of Tourism is working with all the stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem including the State Governments, Industry, Destinations and Tourists to make Travel for LiFE a mass movement.
Travel for LiFE Program will position India as a leader in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism and using tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
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