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Celebrating its 25th year in Bangkok, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) hosted an influential “Power of Networking” event, reinforcing its role in driving Asia Pacific’s travel and tourism development.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), a not-for-profit membership-based association founded in 1951, celebrated its 25th year in Bangkok with an impressive “Power of Networking” event held yesterday afternoon. The event featured speeches by prominent industry leaders, highlighted PATA’s accomplishments over the years, and focused on its commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the travel and tourism sector.
In 1998, PATA made a strategic decision to relocate its global headquarters to Bangkok, establishing a strong presence in the heart of the Asia Pacific region. Now, 25 years later, PATA is reaffirming its dedication to becoming a prominent knowledge centre for the industry and a vital connector for stakeholders across the region.
The event, attended by 50 of the tourism industry’s top professionals, showcased speeches by Peter Semone, Chairman of PATA; Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA; Senator Weerasak Kowsurat, former Minister of Tourism & Sports; Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); and Titiporn Manenate, Executive Director of the Americas Region Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Peter Semone, in his opening speech, reflected on the stabilization of tourism in the region in 2023 and emphasized the unprecedented opportunities symbolized by the Year of The Dragon in 2024. However, he urged caution, reminding attendees of the disruptions caused by COVID and the need to learn from these challenges to build resilience for future natural and man-made disasters.
A highlight of the event was a signing ceremony formalizing the collaboration between PATA, TAT and TCEB. This collaboration, marking the 25th anniversary of PATA’s headquarters in Bangkok, aims to strengthen ongoing efforts to develop tourism in the Asia Pacific region. A statistical analysis produced by PATA, providing insights and forecasts into Thailand’s tourism inbound arrivals growth potential over the next three years, was also unveiled during the event.
Following the speeches and the signing ceremony, attendees engaged in a lively networking session over dinner, fostering connections among industry leaders. The room was filled with familiar faces, including luminaries like Willem Niemeijer of Yanna Ventures, Luzi Matzig, Chairman of Asian Trails and CEO of VIP Jets, representatives from Thai Airways and Thailand Incentive & Convention Association and media were in attendance too, including me as Content Partner for TraveDailyNews Media Network.
PATA’s first event of 2024, coinciding with CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid’s landmark 100 days in the role, was a resounding success, underscoring the power of networking and the organization’s commitment to driving responsible development in the travel and tourism sector across the Asia Pacific region.
David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
