The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is thrilled to announce the official theme, speaker line-up, and innovative developments for the PATA Annual Summit 2024, set against the vibrant backdrop of Macao, China, from May 15-17, 2024. This year’s summit, hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-hosted by SJM Resorts, S.A., will focus on “Reimagining Tourism,” promising a transformative experience for the Asia Pacific tourism industry.
A Gathering of Visionary Leaders
The summit will feature an impressive roster of globally revered leaders in the tourism sector, each bringing unique insights and expertise. Among the distinguished speakers are:
- Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office
- Daisy Ho, Managing Director, SJM Resorts, S.A.
- Dane Cheng, Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board
- Florian Sengstschmid, CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board
- Fathmath Thaufeeq, CEO & Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (Visit Maldives)
- Manisha Saxena, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, India
- Pansy Ho, Group Executive Chairman & Managing Director, Shun Tak Holdings Limited
- David Fowler, Vice President and Head, Cross-Border & Sales Excellence-Asia Pacific, Visa
- Mich Goh, Head of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong & Taiwan, Airbnb
Other notable speakers include Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Gerry Perez, Vice President of Guam Visitors Bureau, and many more influential figures.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid on the Future of Tourism
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid emphasized the significance of the summit’s theme, stating, “While sustainability remains a focal point, this year’s summit will delve into broader discussions, thought-provoking conversations encompassing areas such as travel technology trends, marketing strategies, tourism policy, and cultural advancements. It will catalyze positive change transcending current norms across various dimensions of tourism.”
He added, “PATA extends its sincerest gratitude to the Macao Government Tourism Office and SJM Resorts for their invaluable 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 end of the pandemic. When PATA members come together in full force, it presents an opportunity for the Association to recalibrate its strength. We can only get stronger when we are together.”
Macao’s Warm Welcome
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, expressed her enthusiasm, “We are looking forward to welcoming the PATA Annual Summit 2024 and extending the best of Macao hospitality to ensure a successful event. This is a great opportunity to provide delegates from across the Asia Pacific region with a first-hand experience of Macao’s dynamic development as a world center of tourism and leisure.”
Exciting New Initiatives and Segments
The PATA Annual Summit 2024 will introduce new segments and initiatives to enhance the experience and value for all participants. Highlights include:
- PATA Youth Symposium at the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST)
- PATA-WTCF China Dialogue, supported by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and sponsored by Dragon Trail International, focuses on China Inbound Tourism
- Hosted Dinner and PATA Awards Presentation at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, featuring a Cultural Attire Competition
Comprehensive Programme
The summit will kick off on May 15 with PATA internal meetings and the PATA Life Members Get-Together, followed by the PATA Power of Networking session and the inaugural Education Roundtable session. Day two will begin with the PATA Youth Symposium, Government and Industry Roundtables, Government Bilateral Meetings, and PATA Chapter Congress.
The leading conference, starting on the afternoon of May 16 and concluding on May 17, will feature sessions on a variety of crucial topics, including:
- State of the World Economy
- Marketing and Branding in Asia Pacific Tourism
- Reimagining Your Business Model
- Future-Proofing Travel and Tourism Policies
- Essential Travel and Tourism Trends to Watch
- Hotel Industry Trends
- Air Travel Trends & Outlook in APAC
- Navigating the Skyline: Aviation’s Evolution in Asia Pacific
Partnerships for Tomorrow
A significant highlight will be the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding between PATA and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and between PATA and the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF) during the “Partnerships for Tomorrow” session.
PATA Kind Hearts Initiative
To underscore its commitment to positively impacting local communities, PATA will launch the PATA Kind Hearts initiative, which includes donating approximately 100 children’s books to the Instituto Cultural de Macau (Macao Cultural Institute) to foster a love of reading in the younger generation.
Offsite Educational Experience
MGTO will host an Offsite Educational Experience featuring workshops on traditional dessert making and Portuguese Blue Tile “Azulejo” Painting. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take tours organized by MGTO, including the “Cruising through Macao’s Night Skyline” tour, Macao and Hengqin, China, and a tour of Hong Kong SAR provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Commitment to Sustainability
The PATA Annual Summit is dedicated to sustainability and aims to be a carbon-neutral event. By asking attendees to contribute USD 10, PATA hopes to ensure that the event remains environmentally sustainable and contributes positively to the preservation of the planet.
Join the Conversation
For more information on the PATA Annual Summit 2024, please visit PATA Annual Summit 2024 or email events@PATA.org.
With an ambitious agenda and a stellar line-up of speakers, the PATA Annual Summit 2024 in Macao is set to be a landmark event, paving the way for a resilient and sustainable future in the Asia Pacific tourism industry.
Written by: Octavia Koo
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