Dynamic range of speakers to explore ‘Connectivity’ at PATA conference in Auckland

BANGKOK – Tourism experts and international thought leaders are set to explore the ever-increasing importance of connectivity to both emerging and well-established destinations. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has gathered a dynamic line up of keynote speakers and panelists for the PATA Global Insights Conference 2016 (PGIC 2016) in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday September 30, 2016.

 

The event is sponsored by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), BBC World News, Sojern, SKYCITY Entertainment Group and Tourism Holdings Limited. The theme of the conference is ‘Exploring Connectivity’ – one of the four key pillars of the Tourism 2025 development strategy formulated by TIA. Speakers will explore the key influences that will drive and shape tourism destination development with special focus upon connectivity.

 

“After the success of our conference in 2015 we wanted to provide greater depth to some of the action points of the Tourism 2025 development strategy,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “Our invited speakers are recognised for their success and expertise in innovative and disruptive thinking and they will be certain to challenge the traditional views of the travel and tourism industry as we focus upon the issue of connectivity.”

 

“ATEED is proud to support the second PATA Global Insights Conference which will once again be held in Auckland. The conference provides the New Zealand industry an opportunity to hear from thought leaders on how the global travel landscape is changing,” said Jason Hill, Head of Tourism at Auckland Tourism, Events, and Economic Development. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to inject some fresh thinking into the tourism industry from international experts who will help inspire new ideas, new products and new ways of attracting people to New Zealand.”

 

Confirmed speakers for the event include Alistair McEwan, Senior Vice President for Commercial Development at BBC Worldwide Asia; Blake Moore, Industry Analyst – CAPA; Bryon Merzeo, Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure – Deloitte; Carolyn Childs, Director – MyTravelResearch.com; Catherine Turnbull, Chief Operations Officer – Gres et Delebasi; Ian Lorigan, Area Manager – South West Pacific of Asia-Pacific Division, IATA; John O’Mahony, Partner, Deloitte Access Economics; Julian Persaud, Regional Director for APAC – Airbnb; Mark Clarkson, Business Development Director – Asia Pacifi­c at OAG; Mark Ferszt, Product Director – Bartercard; Dr. Peter Cock, CEO – Newcastle Airport, Australia; Russell Young, Managing Director APAC – Sojern, and Stu Stacy, Commercial Director – ADARA. The conference panel session will be moderated by BBC World News presenter Ben Thompson.

 

Key topics to be analysed and discussed at the event include ‘Connecting Aviation – Dealing with Capacity and Growth’, ‘Connecting Regional Tourism – Thinking Beyond the Norm’, ‘Connecting Consumers – Seeing Things Differently’, and ‘Connecting Products & Experiences – Meeting the Shift of Consumer Mindsets’.

 

The New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday September 29, on the evening prior to the event, at The Langham, Auckland. The dinner is an opportunity for industry professionals to celebrate the achievements of organisations and individuals working to grow and enhance New Zealand’s $30 billion tourism industry. All industry professionals are invited to register for the Awards Dinner and join Tourism Industry Aotearoa in congratulating the winners.

 

The host city Auckland is a vibrant destination boasting a unique mix of magnificent natural features, rich and distinctive cultural heritage, all supported with ‘big city’ sophistication and infrastructure. Recently ranked third internationally for its quality of living, Auckland is at the forefront of hosting New Zealand’s international events and has a worldwide reputation for superior hospitality. Home of New Zealand’s major airport gateway, with a flight frequency unparalleled by any other city in the New Zealand, PATA once again looks forward to welcoming all delegates to this significant event.

 

Delegates registering before July 31 receive a 25 percent discount on registration fees.

 

The event is supported by ADARA, Airbnb, Bartercard, CAPA, Deloitte, IATA, Newcastle Airport, OAG, Routes, SimpliFlying and Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) as well as media partner Inside Tourism. Additional support for young tourism professionals is provided by Tourism Export Council New Zealand.

 

 

Photo caption (left to right): Top Row: Alistair McEwan, Senior Vice President for Commercial Development at BBC Worldwide Asia; Blake Moore, Industry Analyst – CAPA, and Carolyn Childs, Director – MyTravelResearch.com. Middle Row: Catherine Turnbull, Chief Operations Officer – Gres et Delebasi; Ian Lorigan, Area Manager – South West Pacific of Asia-Pacific Division, IATA; John O’Mahony, Partner – Deloitte Access Economics; Julian Persaud, Regional Director for APAC – Airbnb, and Mark Clarkson, Business Development Director – Asia Pacific at OAG. Bottom Row: Mark Ferszt, Product Director – Bartercard; Dr. Peter Cock, CEO – Newcastle Airport, Australia; Russell Young, Managing Director APAC – Sojern;  Stu Stacy, Commercial Director – ADARA, and  Ben Thompson, Presenter, BBC World News.