Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, MATATO has introduced dual membership opportunity for its members with membership to PATA MALDIVES CHAPTER. Under this program MATATO members can now apply to be members of PATA Maldives Chapter and new membership applicants have the option to take dual membership at the time of registration.

PATA is the largest travel organizations in the world. Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organizations, comprising 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 25 international airlines and airports, 108 hospitality organizations, 72 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond.

In 2019 MATATO was officially assigned, to lead PATA Maldives Chapter. PATA Chapters are established throughout the world to assist in the fulfilment of the objectives of the Association at a grass roots level. They are local community organizations of travel industry professionals who join in a co-operative endeavour within the framework of PATA to develop travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific area. Currently, there are 43 PATA Chapters around the world assisting local travel industry communities.

"We are delighted to introduce PATA Chapter opportunities for MATATO members, and for other travel businesses and institutes that are interested to be part of and benefit from one of the largest travel platforms in the world." Said Abdulla Suood, President of MATATO. "We are able to relay this opportunity as a result of our continued partnership with PATA, and we continue to seek such collaborations with international organizations and institutes that will benefit and contribute to growth of our members. PATA Maldives Chapter membership will give our members to be part of large network of travel businesses in addition to having access to programs and insights and publications offered by PATA".

Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 36ocal PATA chapters worldwide. The chapters organize travel industry training and business development events. Their grassroots activism underpins PATAs membership in Uniting Travel, a coalition of the worlds major Travel & Tourism organizations dedicated to ensuring that the sector speaks with one voice and acts in unison on the major issues and includes ACI, CLIA, IATA, ICAO, WEF, UNWTO and the WTTC.

A PATA Chapter member receives Chapter-level discounts on events, research and publications. Registered MATATO members can apply for PATA Maldives chapter membership.