Regional destinations across APAC are at a turning point. As visitor patterns evolve and dispersal becomes a powerful lever for economic and community uplift, now is the moment to understand how destinations can get ready.
This session will showcase fresh data, real-world examples, and perspectives from local leaders who are at the forefront of encouraging travel beyond traditional hotspots. We’ll unpack the trends, partnerships and preparedness strategies that help regions thrive – from local capacity-building to unlocking new tourism opportunities for small towns, cultural hubs and emerging destinations.
Ideal for policymakers working in planning, infrastructure, tourism, regional/rural development and workforce readiness, as well as DMOs, tourism bodies and community leaders aiming to future-proof their destinations.
11 AM Singapore (Feb 12, 7 PM Los Angeles | Feb 12, 10 PM New York | 8:30 AM New Delhi | 10 AM Bangkok | 4 PM Auckland)
Speakers:
Mich Goh, Director of Public Policy, APAC, Airbnb
Mich Goh is the Director of Public Policy for Airbnb in the Asia Pacific region. She leads a team in the region that manages policy initiatives, and engages with government, elected officials, associations and other relevant third parties across these countries in support of a fair and progressive regulatory framework that embraces the potential of short-term rental. She has over 14 years of experience in government relations and public affairs in the region. Read More
Katherine Cossyvas, Strategic Initiatives & Policy Manager, APAC, Airbnb
Katherine Cossyvas is Airbnb’s Strategic Initiatives & Policy Manager for Asia‑Pacific. She leads regional policy projects across key tourism markets, working with local teams to support responsible regulation of short‑term rentals. With a background in law and public policy, she previously held senior roles in Airbnb’s ANZ Policy team and at Australia’s media and communications regulator. Read More
Liz Ritchie, CEO, The Regional Australia Institute
Liz Ritchie’s had a lifelong affiliation with regional Australia, having spent her childhood in Deniliquin in south-western New South Wales. As CEO of the Regional Australia Institute her goal is to empower regions to thrive through leadership, activation, and impact. Liz spearheaded the development of the Regionalisation Ambition 2032– a 10 year, 20 goal framework, that aims to ‘rebalance the nation’ by ensuring greater equity for our rural and regional communities. Read More
Moderator:
Paul Pruangkarn, Director - Marketing & Communications, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
Paul Pruangkarn is the Director of Marketing & Communications at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. In his role, he assists the CEO in executing the strategic goals and activities of the Association across all departments. In addition, he is currently overseeing the day-to-day operations of all communications, public relations, and marketing, and serves as one of the key spokespersons for the Association. Read More