The PATA Foundation wrapped up its 20th anniversary year in style with the announcement of two official media partnership deals that will provide unprecedented consumer and industry media exposure through to the end of 2006.

Both leaders in their respective markets, the PATA Foundation's media partners are US-based Smithsonian magazine and Singapore-based TTG Asia Media.

Published by Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian magazine is a high-end consumer lifestyle monthly, which takes its 7.1 million well-travelled readers on "a cultural journey".

"Smithsonian magazine has long been a proponent of sustainable tourism," said Smithsonian Publisher Ms Amy Wilkins. "We are thrilled to partner with the PATA Foundation to further its effort in Asia Pacific."

TTG Asia Media is a leading travel trade publisher and organiser of events the Asia Pacific. TTG Managing Director Mr Darren Ng said: "PATA's spirit is best reflected in the work done by the PATA Foundation and the members who drive it. The contribution of the PATA Foundation in the areas of education, conservation and preservation is admirable."

He added: "TTG Asia is proud to be a PATA Foundation official media partner. We're pleased to be able to contribute to the PATA Foundation and give something back to the industry."

In its first 20 years, the PATA Foundation disbursed funds to dozens of scholarship recipients and community-based tourism projects in more than 40 Asia Pacific destinations.

PATA Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Mr David Paulon said: "The trustees decided it was time that the PATA Foundation take a bold step to raise funds and help more of the hundreds of worthy projects in our region."

He added: "We are delighted that our call for media support was answered by these two outstanding media organisations."

The PATA Foundation's mission is to contribute to the growth and development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific through the protection of the environment, the conservation of cultural heritage and support for education.

Since 1984, more than 40 countries in Asia Pacific have felt the generous spirit of the PATA Foundation. For more information on the PATA Foundation, please visit www.PATA.org/foundation.

For more information, contact: Ken Scott/Paveena Olansuksakul/David Gillbanks, at PATA Tel: +662 658-2000 E-mail: communications@PATA.org.

ABOUT PATA Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognised authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to dozens of PATA chapters worldwide.

PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Asia Pacific travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership. PATA is a not-for-profit organisation.

Find out more about PATA at www.PATA.org.