KUCHING, Sarawak, 19 August 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association honoured its Thailand Mae Fah Luang University Student Chapter as the winner of the Best Sustainability Initiative at the PATA Chapter & Student Chapter Awards 2026 on Monday.

In a Facebook post, the student chapter said it was honoured to announce that the PATA Thailand Mae Fah Luang University Student Chapter has been named the winner of the Best Sustainability Initiative. 

Photo credit: PATA. On behalf of the PATA Thailand Mae Fah Luang University Student Chapter, Head of Membership, Lucas Sit Yan Naing, accepted the award from PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid (right) at the PATA Chapter and Student Chapter Awards Ceremony in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia on Monday.

“This recognition celebrates our commitment to sustainability, responsible tourism, and creating positive impact through student-led initiatives. We hope this achievement inspires us to continue creating meaningful change and building a more sustainable future together.”

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid presented the award to Lucas Sit Yan Naing, membership coordinator and university project team leader, at the PATA Chapter and Student Chapter Awards Ceremony in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

PATA held its Chapter & Student Chapter Awards Ceremony on Monday, 17 August, at the Commons Café in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

2026 PATA Chapter & Student Chapter Award winners

PATA Award of Excellence (main chapter): PATA Nepal Chapter. 
Recognised for outstanding leadership, initiatives, and grassroots contributions to promoting sustainable tourism.

• PATA Award of Excellence (Student Chapter): 
• PATA Philippines LPU-Manila Student Chapter
• Spirit of PATA Award: PATA Malaysia Chapter
• Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals: PATA Thailand Chapter.

The PATA Chapter & Student Chapter Awards programme was established by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) as part of its local chapter framework to recognise voluntary, grassroots achievements within the travel and tourism industry.

• Parent organisation: Founded in 1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Local chapters established: The chapter system began expansion in the 1970s to build regional, volunteer-led networks across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Student chapters introduced: To engage young tourism professionals (YTPs) and hospitality students, PATA formally established Student Chapters globally in 2002.

The dedicated Chapter & Student Chapter Awards (including honours like the PATA Award of Excellence and Spirit of PATA Award) were created to annually celebrate chapters that drive local sustainability, youth engagement, and regional tourism advocacy.

(Source: PATA and chapter updates)