PATA holds first forum in the Middle...

The annual summit is taking place 25 to 27 October in Ras Al Khaimah

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is hosting its first summit in the Middle East in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Exploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World Sustainably’, this year’s programme is running from 25 to 27 October 2022, addressing topics including destination resilience, sustainable travel recovery strategies, supporting women in micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), global hotel industry trends, sustainable gastronomic tourism, the voice of the next generation, and the decarbonisation of transport.

Hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) at the Al Hamra International Conference Centre, the three-day event will share insight from international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.

The PATA association network comprises both public and private entities representing every facet of the travel ecosystem including governments, tourism offices, hotels, airlines, MNCs, SMEs, universities and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region.

RAKTDA chief executive officer Raki Phillips commented: “We are delighted to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association for the first time in the Middle East. As a dynamic and forward-looking Emirate, we are placing all aspects of sustainability – environment, culture, conservation and livability – at the centre of our investment and development strategy. We look forward to driving the sustainability agenda with key opinion leaders from around the world to build a stronger and resilient tourism economy for the future.”

Leaders from numerous international Tourism Boards are scheduled to speak at the event, adding to its rich agenda of keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions.

Delegates will have the opportunity to explore Ras Al Khaimah through a range of organised destination tours and activities, including a mobile photography workshop.

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PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera added: “After nearly three long years, I'm truly excited for this year’s Annual Summit as we have brought together a diverse range of industry thought leaders, senior representations from the public sector and other non-governmental organisations to address the challenges and solutions to our complex and stage-wise recovery.

“It is inspiring to see government representatives from Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Catalonia, Chinese Taipei, Croatia, Guam, India, Japan, Korea (ROK), Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, the Philippines, Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam, joining us to be part of this discussion as we work to restart a stronger, more responsible and more sustainable industry. Therefore, I invite all industry stakeholders to join us as we look towards recovery and continue to build a future where tourism remains a positive tool in fuelling sustainable development and economic growth.”

The PATA Annual Summit 2022 will be hosted by RAKTDA, with support from Destination Sustainability Leadership Forum Knowledge Partner, Mastercard; Platinum Sponsor, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board; Workshop Sponsors, ForwardKeys and Quilt.AI, and Event Tech Partners, Cvent and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

For more information, email events@pata.org or visit www.pata.org/pas-2022 email events@pata.org