PATA Japan Chapter Held Seminar at Tourism Expo Japan

Chapter News

Oct 30

September 25, 2026 - JATA’s International Affairs Department serves as the secretariat for the Japan Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). At “Tourism EXPO Japan (TEJ)”, the department organized a “PATA Seminar” with the aim of raising public awareness of PATA’s activities and history.

At the seminar, following opening remarks by the Chair of the PATA Japan Chapter, we welcomed PATA Chairman Henry Oh Jr., who had also spoken at the TEJ Ministerial Roundtable. He delivered a presentation on PATA’s history as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and the history of Japan and South Korea as it relates to PATA. Following the presentation, three Japanese PATA members actively involved in the association introduced their respective activities: Suruga Planning Tourism Bureau, which exhibits at the PATA Travel Mart every year; Wakayama University, which participates as a PATA student chapter; and the PATA Japan Chapter.

Following these presentations, a panel discussion was held on the theme “The Future of PATA in 10 Years.” The panel featured the PATA Chairman, the Chair of the PATA Japan Chapter, two Japanese members of the PATA Board, Suruga Planning Tourism Bureau, and the Catalan Tourist Board as an overseas PATA member. While each panelist offered valuable insights, there was a clear consensus that one of PATA’s key roles is “to build connections between people across industry boundaries” and, through this, to revitalize tourism.

The seminar attracted more than 70 attendees, and we received numerous comments such as, “I gained a good understanding of PATA’s history and role,” and “It was a valuable opportunity.” The PATA Japan Chapter will continue its efforts to raise awareness of PATA and expand its membership.