As tourism across the Asia Pacific region continues its robust recovery, there is a growing call for destinations to look beyond traditional performance metrics and adopt a more holistic, values-based approach to development. This means placing greater emphasis on community wellbeing, cultural preservation, visitor enrichment, and environmental stewardship.
Meaningful Tourism offers a strategic framework for this transformation—aligning long-term industry resilience with the needs, aspirations, and values of all stakeholders.
The phrase “A Meaningful Pacific Asia Tourism Economy” was officially adopted as the new Vision Statement of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) during the PATA Annual Summit in April 2025, marking a bold step forward in reimagining the future of tourism in the region.
PATA Chair Peter Semone reflects: “Tourism must evolve from a numbers game to a values-driven endeavour. Meaningful Tourism challenges us to redefine success—not solely by arrivals or spending, but by how effectively we serve communities, protect our heritage, and enrich lives. At PATA, we believe the future of tourism lies in creating shared value, and we are proud to work in partnership with the MTC Meaningful Tourism Centre to help guide this important transition across the Asia Pacific region.”
To support this vision, the webinar will focus on key objectives that raise awareness, foster engagement, and inspire collective action.
Objectives:
Awareness: Increase understanding of the concept of Meaningful Tourism among PATA members and other tourism and hospitality stakeholders.
Engagement: Provide a platform for dialogue between policymakers, community leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, and international partners.
Inspiration: Showcase successful examples of Meaningful Tourism.
Action: Promote collaborative strategies and partnerships with the support of PATA and MTC to implement Meaningful Tourism activities.
4 PM Singapore Time (9 AM London | 1:30 PM India | 3 PM Bangkok | 6 PM Sydney | 8 PM Auckland)
Speakers:
Alexander Rayner, Executive Board Member, PATA
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, Executive Director, Meaningful Tourism Center
Catherine Germier-Hamel , Founder & CEO, Millennium Destinations
Catherine Germier-Hamel is a global expert in sustainable tourism, marketing, and inclusive development, with over 30 years of international experience across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. She is the Founder & CEO of Millennium Destinations and former CEO of Destination Mekong. Read More
Dr. Nurgül BOZ, Assistant Professor, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat Üniversitesi
Dr. Nurgül Boz is an Assistant Professor at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, specialising in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts. She holds a Ph.D. from Akdeniz University and focuses on culinary innovation, consumer behaviour, and the impact of social media on food culture. Read More
Rhea Vitto Tabora, Co-Founder, Asia Sustainable Travel (AST)
Rhea Vitto Tabora is a seasoned professional in hospitality and software solutions, with over 20 years of experience across Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Rhea Vitto Tabora has led in branding, sales, and marketing roles, including at The Ascott Limited and Vinhomes, Vietnam’s top real estate developer. Read More