Home » ASIA » Global Travel Innovators Converge to Shape Future of Tourism at Pacific Asia Travel Association Annual Summit 2024 in Macao
Monday, April 22, 2024
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Explore the future of travel at Pacific Asia Travel Association 2024 in Macao, where global leaders gather to innovate and inspire sustainable tourism.
The PATA Annual Summit 2024, themed “Reimagining Tourism,” will take place from May 15 to 17 at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort in Macao, China. This prestigious event is proudly sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office and SJM Resorts, S.A., and serves as a critical platform for global tourism discussions. It is a gathering of international think tanks, b2b travel leaders, travel influencers, and industry trailblazers dedicated to advancing tourism throughout the Asia Pacific region.
As the conference progresses, it will become a hub for critical conversations, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at guiding the tourism sector towards a future marked by resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
The comprehensive agenda includes plenary and breakout sessions, alongside the PATA Executive Board and Board meetings, as well as the Annual General Meeting. This varied program offers numerous opportunities for travel industry leaders and influencers, including MICE leaders, tour operators, travel and tourism professionals, Destination Management Companies, Travel Agents, and travel technology companies to engage and address the pressing challenges and prospects for advancing responsible and sustainable tourism in the region.
The summit’s three-day itinerary features several key events:
PATA Board Meeting & PATA Power of Networking (exclusive to PATA members)Main ConferenceDestination ExperienceYouth Symposium
This event is a cornerstone for fostering dialogue and action among airline industry leaders, cruise companies, hotel industry leaders and influencers, and stalwarts of the hotel and hospitality industry, ensuring a collaborative approach to shaping the future of travel.
The PATA Annual Summit 2024 will be illuminated by the insights and expertise of an esteemed lineup of speakers from various facets of the travel and tourism industry.
The featured speakers of PATA Annual Summit 2024 include:
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, will share her valuable insights from managing one of Asia’s premier tourism destinations.Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, will discuss strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a global tourism hub.Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, brings a perspective on innovative tourism practices from Eurasia.Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, will outline his experiences in transforming Ras Al Khaimah into a fast-growing tourism destination.Fathmath Thaufeeq, CEO & Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, will highlight the unique challenges and opportunities in marketing island destinations.Gerry Perez, Vice President of the Guam Visitors Bureau, will provide insights into the development of tourism in island economies.YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of the Sarawak Tourism Board, will discuss the integration of cultural heritage in modern tourism.Peter Semone, Chair of PATA, will offer overarching insights into the travel industry’s trajectory in the Asia Pacific.Pansy Ho, Group Executive Chairman & Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings Limited, will discuss strategic management and investment in hospitality and transportation.Liu Shijun, Vice Chairman of the World Tourism Alliance, will emphasize global cooperation in tourism development.Andrew Staples, Head of Policy & Insights (Asia) at Economist Impact, will share economic forecasts and policy implications for tourism.Mich Goh, Head of Public Policy for Airbnb in Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong & Taiwan, will discuss the role of shared economy in tourism.David Fowler, Vice President and Head of Cross-Border & Sales Excellence-Asia Pacific at Visa, will explore financial trends affecting the travel sector.Fabrizio Orlando, Global Director of Industry Affairs at Tripadvisor, will speak on the evolving landscape of travel reviews and industry standards.Sarah Wang, Regional Director Asia at the World Travel & Tourism Council, will provide updates on regional travel and tourism trends.Mayur (Mac) Patel, Head of Asia at OAG, will discuss aviation data trends and their impact on regional travel.Xin Mok, Director of Public Sector at Mastercard Asia-Pacific, will highlight the integration of technology in enhancing tourist experiences.Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs at Booking.com for Asia Pacific, will address strategic public affairs initiatives in the travel industry.Olivier Ponti, Director of Intelligence & Marketing at Forwardkeys, will offer data-driven insights into travel trends and predictions.Steve Lai, Chief Asia Presenter at BBC News, will share his perspectives on the media’s role in shaping tourism narratives.Alan Elliott Merschen, Founder of The SIGMUND Project and Partner at MMGY Global, will discuss innovative marketing strategies in international tourism.Caroline Bremner, Senior Head of Travel Research at Euromonitor International, will provide expert analysis on global travel market trends.Henry Oh, Jr., Chairman of the Korea Association of Travel Agents, will explore the evolving role of travel agents in the digital age.Jesper Palmqvist, Area Director – Asia Pacific at STR, will provide valuable hotel industry data and benchmarking insights.Professor Haiyan Song, Associate Dean at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will discuss economic impacts on the hospitality industry.Simon Lloyd, Dean of Hospitality Management and Business Administration at Dusit Thani College, will speak on education’s role in shaping the future of hospitality.Dr. Diamantina Coimbra, Vice-Rector at Macao University of Tourism, will highlight the intersection of academia and industry in fostering tourism education.Lee Williamson, Executive Director of Specialist Publications at South China Morning Post, will discuss the influence of publishing on travel trends.Jonathan Song, Director of Global Business Development at Plaza Premium Group, will outline strategies for enhancing airport hospitality experiences.Barry Ip, Vice President – Learning & Advancement at Wynn Macau, Limited, will speak on staff development and training within the hospitality sector.Hannah Pearson, Founding Partner at Pear Anderson, will discuss tourism consulting and market research in Southeast Asia.Ian Stazicker, Partner at Churchill & Partners and Founder of Nelian Pty Ltd, will provide insights into strategic consulting for the travel industry.Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst and Consultant at Sobie Aviation, will discuss aviation market dynamics and forecasts.Adam Platt-Hepworth, Director of Emerging Ventures at Discova, will explore new business opportunities within the travel industry.Dori Davari, Assistant Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will share research findings in tourism and hospitality education.Maria Paz Alberto, Chairperson of PATA Philippine Chapter and President of Ark Travel Express, Inc., will discuss leadership and innovation in travel management.Jonathan Low, CEO of Global Success Learning Academy, will focus on leadership development within the travel industry.Min Ye Swan, a student of International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Bangkok University International, represents the next generation of travel professionals, offering a fresh perspective on industry challenges and opportunities.And more to be Announced
This diverse group of speakers, encompassing travel and hotel advisors, travel service providers, and leaders from the cruise industry, destinations, and technology sectors, will contribute to a robust exchange of ideas and strategies, fostering advancement across the global tourism landscape.
The agenda for the first day of the PATA Annual Summit 2024, set for Wednesday, May 15th, is designed to facilitate engagement and networking among the travel industry’s elite. The day is structured to ensure a seamless integration of PATA members, travel industry leaders and influencers, and tourism professionals into the summit’s activities. Here’s a detailed look at the day’s events:
All Day: Registration
Attendees will have the opportunity to register throughout the day, setting the stage for a productive and enlightening conference.
Morning Sessions:
PATA Executive Board Meeting: A strategic session where the executive board will discuss ongoing initiatives and future plans.Human Capital Development Roundtable: This session will bring together travel and tourism professionals, including Destination Management Companies, travel consultants, and MICE leaders to discuss strategies for nurturing talent within the industry.
Afternoon Sessions:
PATA Board Meeting: An essential gathering of the PATA board to deliberate on the broader challenges and opportunities within the Asia Pacific tourism industry.Power of Networking: A specially designed event to foster connections among b2b travel leaders, tour operators, cruise companies, and other stakeholders.PATA Life Member Get-together: An exclusive event for PATA life members to network and discuss the evolution and impact of their contributions to the tourism sector.PATA Executive Board & Board Dinner hosted by MGTO: An evening hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office, providing an elegant setting for further networking and discussion among the boards and senior decision-makers.
These sessions are carefully planned to maximize interaction among travel technology companies, airline industry leaders, hotel and hospitality industry stalwarts, and other prominent figures in the tourism sector. The aim is to foster discussions that drive innovation and strategic thinking in reimagining tourism for the future.
The second day of the PATA Annual Summit 2024, happening on Thursday, May 16th, is packed with engaging sessions aimed at further diving into the theme of “Reimagining Tourism.” This day is structured to enhance knowledge, promote innovative ideas, and celebrate achievements within the industry, with a keen focus on involving a broad spectrum of tourism stakeholders, from government officials to young tourism professionals.
All Day: Registration
Continued registration ensures that all participants are checked in and have access to the day’s scheduled activities.
Morning Sessions:
PATA Youth Symposium: This session is designed to engage and inspire the next generation of travel and tourism professionals, featuring insights from young leaders and innovators.Government Roundtable & Industry Roundtable: Key platform where travel industry leaders and influencers, including government officials and private sector leaders, discuss collaborative strategies for sustainable tourism growth.Government Bilateral Meeting: Dedicated meetings to foster diplomatic and strategic partnerships within the travel sector.PATA Chapter Congress: An assembly for PATA chapters to exchange ideas and strategies on enhancing the regional impact of their activities.PATA China Dialogue: A focused discussion on the specific trends, challenges, and opportunities in China’s travel market.
Afternoon Sessions:
Main Conference: The central part of the day’s proceedings begins, featuring a series of high-impact sessions:Opening Keynote: “Reimagining Tourism”: Sets the tone for the day with visionary ideas on reshaping the travel industry.Presentation: “State of the World Economy”: An analysis of global economic trends and their implications for the travel and tourism sector.Leaders Dialogue: “Future-proofing Travel and Tourism Policies”: A strategic session with travel industry leaders and influencers discussing policies to sustain the industry’s growth and resilience.Panel Discussion: “Marketing & Branding in APAC Tourism”: Experts from Destination Management Companies, travel and tourism professionals, and marketing leaders explore innovative branding strategies in Asia-Pacific tourism.Presentation: “Reimagining Your Business Model”: Insights on adapting business strategies in the fast-evolving travel industry landscape.Press Conference: An opportunity for media interaction with key summit participants and leaders.
Evening:
Welcome Dinner Reception & PATA Awards Presentation hosted by SJM: A celebratory evening hosted by SJM, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in the tourism industry, providing a perfect networking opportunity for travel industry leaders and influencers, including hotel industry leaders, cruise companies, and travel technology companies.
This full day of sessions and events at the summit not only facilitates in-depth discussions among b2b travel leaders and other stakeholders but also celebrates the innovative spirit driving the future of tourism in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The final day of the PATA Annual Summit 2024 on Friday, May 17th, offers a dynamic mix of insightful sessions and engaging, hands-on activities that delve deeper into the evolving landscape of travel and tourism. Here’s a breakdown of the planned activities, emphasizing collaboration and innovation among travel and tourism professionals.
Morning: Main Conference
Fireside Chat: An intimate discussion with a prominent leader in the tourism industry, providing personal insights and forward-thinking strategies.Presentation: “Key Travel and Tourism Trends to Watch”: An analysis of emerging trends that are shaping the future of the industry.Panel Discussion: “Where are We Heading?”: Industry experts discuss the potential future directions of global tourism.Presentation: “Hotel Industry Trends”: A look at the latest developments and future predictions for the hotel sector.Presentation: “Aviation Trends”: Examining current trends in the airline industry and their implications for travel and tourism.Presentation: “Reimagining the Airport Experience”: Innovations and improvements in the airport experience for travelers.Breakout Session 1-2:Travel Technology Roundtable: A discussion on the latest technological advancements impacting travel.Educational Tourism: Exploring the intersection of education and tourism, and how it can benefit destinations and travelers alike.
Afternoon: Offsite Experience & Main Conference
Portuguese & Macanese Dessert Workshop: A culinary workshop highlighting local desserts, enhancing the cultural experience for participants.Chinese Calligraphy Workshop: An immersive workshop teaching the art of Chinese calligraphy.Portuguese Blue Tile “Azulejo” Painting Workshop: Participants create traditional Portuguese tiles, fostering a deeper connection with local arts.Breakout Session 3-5:Nightime Economy: Discussing the development of activities and services that operate during nighttime hours.The Future of Travel Agents in the Age of AI: A critical examination of how AI technology will reshape the travel agency business.Greater Bay Area (GBA): Discussing tourism opportunities and integration within this rapidly developing region.Presentation: “Launch of PATA Report on Human Capital Development”: Unveiling new insights into workforce development within the tourism industry.Panel Discussion: “Deep Dive into the Future of Tourism Workforce”: Analyzing future trends and needs in tourism employment.Presentation: “Gastronomy Tourism: Balancing Innovation with Local Preservation”: Exploring how culinary tourism can innovate while respecting traditions.Panel Discussion: “Tourism Synergies to Diversify Economy”: Strategies for leveraging tourism to broaden economic bases.Closing Keynote: “The Future of Travel and Tourism”: A visionary perspective on the long-term outlook for the industry.Closing: Formal closure of the summit, encapsulating key takeaways and affirming commitments for the future.
This day is designed to inspire and educate, with a focus on the interaction between traditional practices and modern innovations, essential for travel industry leaders, influencers, Destination Management Companies, and travel technology companies, among others. The varied sessions aim to provide participants with valuable insights and practical skills, enhancing their ability to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the tourism sector.
On the fourth and final day of the PATA Annual Summit 2024, scheduled for Saturday, May 18th, participants are offered a relaxed and culturally enriching conclusion to the intense previous days of discussions, presentations, and networking.
Morning:
Complimentary Half-day Tour: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a half-day tour, which is designed to showcase some of Macao’s most significant cultural and historical attractions. This tour provides a chance for participants to unwind while absorbing the rich heritage of the region.
Afternoon:
Complimentary Half-day Tour to Hong Kong / Departure: The afternoon offers two options for summit attendees. They can either embark on a complimentary half-day tour to Hong Kong, experiencing the vibrant culture and iconic skyline of this dynamic city, or they can choose to depart at their leisure. The tour to Hong Kong is an excellent opportunity for attendees to extend their networking in a more informal setting while enjoying the sights and sounds of another major hub in the Asia-Pacific travel industry.
This final day is thoughtfully arranged to ensure that all participants, including travel industry leaders, MICE leaders, hotel and hospitality industry stalwarts, and travel technology companies, leave the summit with not only new insights and business contacts but also pleasant memories of their experiences in Macao and potentially Hong Kong. This day underscores the summit’s commitment to blending professional development with cultural immersion, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating each host location’s unique attributes.
