The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) is a professional organisation of travel writers which was founded in 1998. PATWA's founding philosophy is to support worldwide sustainable development, and growth of travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation. PATWA adheres to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations (UN), and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). PATWA is an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).