In addition to addressing the move of the operational headquarters, the PATA Board approved the 1998/99 business plan and budget and passed a resolution to support the action being taken by End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism (ECPAT), and other international organisations whose aims and objectives are to end child prostitution.

The resolution comes at the first Board of Directors meeting of PATA's new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joseph McI nerney, who joined the Association in November 1997. Mr. Mclnerney had pledged at the time of his appointment that PATA would be more pro-active in working to resolve issues facing the region and industry.

"We are looking at ways we can work with these and other international organisations to help educate and inform both the travellers and the local popuiations with a goal of ending child prostitution," Mr. McI nerney said.

The long-discussed issue of the relocation of PATA's operationai headquarters from the United States to Asia was given a time-line during the Directors meeting.

According to Mr. Mclnerney, PATA member nations and cities in Asia interested in housing the PATA headquarters will be invited to send a letter of interest based on the relocation qualifications set by the Board.

"We plan to have the letters of interest submitted and reviewed prior to the PATA Board of Directors meeting held in conjunction with the PATA Annual Conference, in Manila, Philippines on March 29,1998, Mr. Mclnerney said.