PATA New York Celebrates Global Success at “Golden Opportunities” Event
New York, 27 October 2025 - On Monday, October 27, 2025, New York PATA hosted Golden Opportunities, a landmark event at Club 101 that united global travel and tourism leaders in a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
The evening brought together a distinguished roster of participants, including China Airlines, Emirates, AirlinePros, Wendy Wu Tours, and McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. Adding a diplomatic and international dimension to the event were Consul General Dadhi Bhandari of the Consulate General of Nepal; Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism; and Fernando Abreu and Karina Ramos, Directors from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. Their presence lent global gravitas and cultural depth to the gathering.
Daniele Rutigliano of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Milan, Italy delivered a compelling presentation on the pivotal role designer outlets play in tourism. He emphasized how these outlets serve as major destinations that attract visitors, stimulate local economies, and elevate the overall tourist experience. By blending luxury with value and positioning themselves along key tourist routes, designer outlets create immersive environments enriched with amenities and cultural connections. Rutigliano also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with travel and tourism organizations to market these destinations globally.
Consul General Dadhi Bhandari captivated attendees with a heartfelt speech on tourism in Nepal, underscoring the country’s safety and welcoming spirit. His presentation featured stunning video footage showcasing Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich heritage—reinforcing its appeal as a must-visit destination for international travelers.
Alex Romanovich captivated the audience with an insightful presentation on the dynamic impact of Artificial Intelligence in revolutionizing the travel industry. His talk illuminated cutting-edge technologies that are elevating customer experiences and streamlining operations, offering a glimpse into a smarter, more connected future for travel.
Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director of PATA New York, chaired the event with grace and enthusiasm. Her keynote presentation, The Pulse of Travel & Tourism: PATA New York’s 2025 Story, celebrated the chapter’s inspiring journey of innovation, resilience, and growth, while charting an ambitious and optimistic path forward for the new year.
Board members Irene Sino (Chairman), Julian Banegas (Vice-Chair), Pradip Shrestha (Secretary), and Iris Salazar were present to champion the event’s mission. Irene Sino opened the evening with a warm welcome, followed by remarks from Julian Banegas. Both Julian Banegas and Iris Salazar shared personal reflections on their journeys with NY PATA, adding heartfelt context to the chapter’s evolving story.
With attendees actively engaging in meaningful dialogue and forging new connections, Golden Opportunities successfully set the stage for a vibrant and collaborative 2026 in global travel.