The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is thrilled to announce its much-anticipated Annual Summit 2024, a pivotal event set to redefine the future of tourism across the Asia Pacific region. With an impressive lineup of globally recognized speakers and groundbreaking initiatives, this summit promises to catalyse transformative change in the travel and tourism industry. Scheduled to take place from May 15-17, 2024, in the vibrant city of Macao, China, the summit will explore innovative pathways under the theme “Reimagining Tourism.”
A Star-Studded Line-Up of Speakers
Hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-hosted by SJM Resorts, S.A., the three-day event will feature esteemed speakers who are trailblazers in the tourism sector. Among the notable names are Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM Resorts; Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board; and Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. These distinguished leaders, alongside other influential figures, will share their insights and vision for a sustainable and resilient tourism industry.
Unveiling New Initiatives and Developments
The summit will spotlight PATA’s latest initiatives to foster innovation and sustainability in tourism. As PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid emphasized, “This year’s summit will delve into broader discussions, encompassing travel technology trends, marketing strategies, tourism policy, and cultural advancements. It will catalyze positive change transcending current norms across various dimensions of tourism.”
Ahmad Hamid also profoundly thanks the Macao Government Tourism Office and SJM Resorts for their unwavering support. “With the collective effort of all parties involved and Macao’s captivating destination, we have achieved the highest number of delegate registrations for the PATA Annual Summit since the pandemic. This event is a testament to PATA’s strength and unity,” he stated.
Macao: The Ideal Host for PATA 2024
Macao Government Tourism Office Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes was excited about hosting the summit. “We look forward to welcoming the PATA Annual Summit 2024 and extending the best Macao hospitality to ensure a successful event. It has been several years since our destination last staged a PATA flagship event, and it will be a great opportunity to provide delegates from across the Asia Pacific region with a firsthand experience of the new dynamic development of Macao as a world center of tourism and leisure,” she said.
Comprehensive Program Highlights
The summit’s agenda is packed with sessions that address critical issues and trends in the tourism industry. Key sessions include “State of the World Economy,” “Marketing and Branding in Asia Pacific Tourism,” “Future-Proofing Travel and Tourism Policies,” and “Key Travel and Tourism Trends to Watch.” These sessions will provide a platform for vigorous discussions and thought-provoking conversations among industry leaders.
Additionally, the summit will feature two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between PATA and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and between PATA and the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF). These partnerships aim to enhance collaboration and promote sustainable regional tourism practices.
PATA-WTCF China Dialogue: Exploring Inbound Tourism
A notable new initiative is the inaugural PATA-WTCF China Dialogue, supported by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and sponsored by Dragon Trail International. This special session will explore the dynamic landscape of China’s inbound tourism, delving into the various challenges and opportunities. Esteemed speakers for this session include George Cao, Co-founder & CEO of Dragon Trail International, and Chen Bo, Executive Director of the World Tourism Cities Federation.
A Commitment to Sustainability
PATA is dedicated to ensuring that the summit is a carbon-neutral event. Through a nominal contribution of USD 10 from attendees, PATA aims to impact the environment positively. This initiative aligns with PATA’s goal of promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and preserve the planet.
The summit will also see the PATA Kind Hearts initiative launch, underscoring the Association’s commitment to positively impacting local communities. This initiative involves donating approximately 100 children’s books to the Instituto Cultural de Macau (Macao Cultural Institute) to nurture a love of reading in the younger generation.
Enriching Cultural Experiences
As part of the summit’s comprehensive program, MGTO will host the Offsite Educational Experience. This includes traditional dessert-making workshops and Portuguese Blue Tile “Azulejo” Painting. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take tours organized by MGTO, with highlights such as the “Cruising through Macao’s Night Skyline” tour and tours of Macao and Hengqin, China. Additionally, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will provide a tour of Hong Kong SAR.
The PATA Annual Summit 2024 is poised to be an extraordinary event that brings together the brightest minds in the tourism industry. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, the summit will set the stage for a new era of tourism in the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit PATA Annual Summit 2024 or email events@pata.org.
Join us in Macao for a transformative experience that will inspire and shape the future of tourism.
Written by: Kanda Limw
