New chairman of the Association’s Board: Andrew Jones
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the election of Andrew Jones, Guardian - Sanctuary Resorts, Hong Kong SAR, as Chairman of the Association’s Executive Board. He replaces Kevin B Murphy who was elected Chairman in April 2015 and who remains a member of the Executive Board as Immediate Past Chairman.
Andrews Jones said, “It is especially meaningful to me to be elected to the position of Chairman of PATA during this 65th anniversary year of the Association. During this time, after a long career in hospitality, I also celebrate my 65th year on the planet. In leading and guiding PATA in the coming year, my focus will be on the continual and future enhancement of the Association. In taking on this role I commit to pro-actively working with the Executive Board, management team and our members to continue the good work of PATA. I want us to deliver on our promised advocacy themes, especially Human Capital Development, and to encourage membership development and involvement while supporting the responsible and sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region and globally for the betterment of our communities and society.”
Over the past 45 years he has worked in numerous senior management and corporate positions for prestigious hotels, resorts and management companies in London, Bermuda, Canada, Hong Kong SAR and across Asia. In 1996 he founded and became the Guardian of Sanctuary Resorts, a resort management company creating responsible and sustainable tourism experiences where people can balance their body, mind and spirit in an environmentally friendly space.
A Certified Hotel Administrator of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, Andrew was previously a member of the Board of the Indian Ocean Tourism Organization and Director, Asia Pacific Affairs for the International Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Andrew is a leading proponent of Corporate Social Responsibility and Wellness in Tourism and is a knowledgeable keynote speaker, moderator and panelist on matters of responsible and sustainable tourism at many hotel, environment and social enterprise forums and conferences as well as at universities and vocational schools.
He believes in contributing directly to the community in which he lives and is Chairman Emeritus of the KELY (Kid’s Everywhere Like You) Support Group, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Kowloon, and a supporter of numerous other charitable organisations and social ventures in Hong Kong SAR.