Day 1: Pohang | Mon, May 11
Registration
Foyer, 4F, Lahan Hotel (also available in Gyeonju, 1000-1700 in front of Hall B, 3F, HICO)
0830-1700
0900-1200
PATA Youth Symposium
Grand Hall, 5F, Lahan Hotel
Destination Experience (3 programmes)
*3 tour options will be provided across Pohang and Gyeongju. The GJ tour is offered to only delegates staying in GJ. PH tours offered to all delegates.
0900-1230
1000-1230
PATA Executive Board Meeting
Opal Hall, 4F, Lahan Hotel
1230-1330
PATA Executive Board & Delegate Lunch
Patio, 6F, Lahan Hotel
1330-1430
PATA Honours Committee Meeting
Opal Hall, 4F, Lahan Hotel
Industry Roundtable
Emerald Hall, 4F, Lahan Hotel
Education Roundtable
Ruby Hall, 4F, Lahan Hotel
1330-1500
1500-1530
Networking Break
Foyer, 4F, Lahan Hotel
1530-1730
PATA Board Meeting
Sapphire Hall, 4F, Lahan Hotel
PATA Executive Board & Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner (by Invitation only)
Grand Hall, 5F, Lahan Hotel
1800-2030
Day 2: Gyeongju | Tue, May 12
0830-1700
Registration
In front of Hall B, 3F, HICO
0900-1000
PATA Annual General Meeting
GCTO Yukbuchon
Networking Break
Foyer of Meeting Room 205 & 206, 2F, HICO
1000-1100
PATA Chapter Meeting
Meeting Room 206, 2F, HICO
PATA Policy Forum (Invitation Only)
Meeting Room 205, 2F, HICO
1100-1230
1230-1400
Lunch
Hall A, 3F, HICO
1400-1530
Conference
Hall B, 3F, HICO
1400-1405
Welcome by Master of Ceremonies
Cultural Performance
1405-1410
1410-1430
Welcome Remarks by Hosts
Setting the Scene: PATA 75th Anniversary
As PATA marks its 75th Anniversary, this opening address welcomes participants and sets the tone for the Summit by reflecting on the Association’s legacy while signalling the strategic questions that lie ahead. The session frames resilience as a shared challenge for the tourism community — one that requires adaptation, collaboration, and leadership — and invites participants to engage with the ideas and conversations that will unfold across the programme.
1430-1435
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Navigating Towards a Resilient Future
In this keynote address, the speaker sets the strategic context for the PATA Annual Summit by examining what resilience means for tourism in an era of accelerating change. Drawing on global trends in geopolitics, sustainability, technology, and traveller behaviour, the session challenges destinations and institutions to move beyond recovery and towards long-term adaptability and transformation. The address frames the key tensions and questions that will shape discussions throughout the Summit.
1435-1450
Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Global Trends Shaping Travel and Tourism
As destinations and businesses plan for the years ahead, understanding the global economic context is essential to building resilience. In this keynote, the speaker will examine the macroeconomic forces shaping travel and tourism - from inflation and consumer confidence to shifting spending patterns and regional growth dynamics. Drawing on real-time payments and consumer data, the session provides practical insights into how economic trends are influencing travel demand and what this means for strategic decision-making across the tourism ecosystem.
1450-1505
David Mann
Chief Economist AP, Mastercard Economics Institute
Sustainable Tourism Governance in a Post-APEC Landscape
As destinations navigate shifting geopolitical, economic and environmental realities, government leadership is more critical than ever. This high-level session brings together national tourism authorities to discuss policy alignment, sustainable destination management, and cross-border collaboration in the post-APEC era. Panellists will share perspectives on balancing growth with resilience, community impact, and long-term competitiveness in an increasingly complex global tourism environment.
1505-1550
Florian Sengstschmid
CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board
Networking Coffee Break
Press Conference
Meeting Room 205, 2F
1550-1615
Conference
1615-1730
Rethinking Destination Marketing, Measurement and Impact
This session will explore the state of advertising and measurement for destination marketing organisations, placing data and technology within the broader question of destination resilience. The presentation explores how DMOs are reassessing success - moving beyond reach and volume towards effectiveness, accountability, and long-term impact - and what this shift means for strategy, partnerships, and investment decisions in an increasingly complex digital ecosystem.
1615-1630
Resilience at Scale: ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2026–2030 - A Regional Blueprint for Integrated Growth
The recently launched ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 charts a unified roadmap for tourism cooperation, resilience, and transformation across Southeast Asia. Designed to reposition ASEAN tourism beyond post-pandemic recovery toward sustainable and inclusive growth, the Plan emphasizes resilient tourism infrastructure, seamless travel facilitation, workforce empowerment, digital transformation, and diversified, high-value tourism products. This conversation will explore how regional collaboration - supported by ASEAN member states, partners, and industry leaders - is facilitating connectivity, shared prosperity, and strategic alignment that strengthens both intra-regional travel and global competitiveness.
1630-1710
Sharlene Batin
Assistant Secretary, Philippines Department of Tourism
Jessie McComb
Senior Tourism Industry Specialist, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
From Disruption to Direction: Leadership Lessons in Recovery and Expansion
In this candid fireside conversation, the speaker reflects on leading a global travel services business through disruption, recovery, and renewed expansion. Beyond business performance, the discussion explores leadership mindset, decision-making under uncertainty, and how organisations translate resilience from concept into strategy. The session offers a personal, reflective counterpoint to the day’s broader policy and industry discussions.
1710-1725
Sarah Mathews
CEO, e-Tourism Frontiers
Interviewer
Song Hoi See
Founder & CEO, Plaza Premium Group
Interviewee
1725-1730
Wrap Up Day 1
1730-1800
PATA Life Member Get Together
Hilton Gyeongju Lobby Lounge
PAS 2026 Gala Dinner
Expo Grand Park
1830-2100
Day 3: Gyeongju | Wed, May 13
0830-1700
Registration
In front of Hall B, 3F, HICO
0900-1230
Conference
Hall B, 3F, HICO
Welcome by Master of Ceremonies
0900-0905
Global Travel Outlook
As global travel continues to evolve amid economic uncertainty, shifting consumer behaviour, and geopolitical complexity, this session provides a data-driven snapshot of the year ahead. Drawing on the latest research and market intelligence, the presentation explores key demand trends, regional outlooks, and emerging risks and opportunities shaping the global tourism landscape, offering a practical context for the discussions that follow throughout the day.
0905-0915
Simon Moriarty
VP, Syndicated Research, MMGY Global
Digital Distribution and Demand Intelligence: Driving Sustainable Growth in Tourism
In an era of rapidly evolving traveller behaviour and digital marketplaces, effective distribution and demand intelligence are essential to unlocking tourism growth. This session investigates how digital platforms are enabling destinations and travel partners to better understand consumer preferences, optimise connectivity, and build resilient demand pipelines. Discussion will focus on practical applications of data insights, distribution strategies that support diverse market engagement, and the role of digital ecosystems in advancing long-term destination competitiveness.
0915-0925
Digital Tourism at a Crossroads: Platforms, Data and Destination Resilience
Digital platforms and technologies are reshaping how destinations are discovered, experienced, and managed - but their role in building long-term resilience is still being debated. This interactive session brings together leading digital tourism platforms to explore how data, technology, and consumer insight can support smarter destination decision-making, while also addressing emerging challenges around dependency, governance, and value creation.
Combining a short scene-setting presentation, a moderated panel discussion, and live audience interaction, the session will surface shared priorities, points of tension, and practical implications for destinations navigating an increasingly platform-driven tourism ecosystem.
0925-1005
Jackson Pek
Chief Corporate & Legal Affairs Officer, Amadeus
Moderator
Fabrizio Orlando
Director, Government Relations, Tripadvisor
Panellists
Yang Li
Head of Public Affairs, APAC, Booking.com
Sunny Chang
Director, Global Business Development, Tidesquare
1005-1035
Networking Coffee Break
Salon Session 1-3
1035-1135
Salon Session 1
Salon Session 2: China Reconnected: Evolving Inbound and Outbound Travel Dynamics
China’s travel market is re-emerging in ways that challenge past assumptions. This session explores how traveller behaviour, destination expectations, digital influence, and market structures are evolving across both inbound and outbound travel. Speakers will examine what these shifts mean for destinations seeking sustainable engagement with Chinese travellers - and how resilience, adaptability, and cultural understanding are becoming competitive differentiators.
Soon Hwa Wong
PATA Ambassador for Greater China
Moderators
George Cao
Co-founder & CEO, Dragon Trail International
Salon Session 3: Smart MICE and Digital Tourism: Designing Adaptive Visitor Economies
As destinations rethink how they attract and host visitors, smart MICE and digital tourism strategies are becoming central to adaptability and resilience. This session explores how technology is reshaping business events, visitor experiences, and destination management - not as an end in itself, but as an enabler of flexibility, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
Dae-Young Kim
Professor, University of Missouri
Moderator
David Barrett
Founder & CEO, DBC & Partners Ltd
Panellists
1140-1240
Salon Session 4: AI and the Future of Tourism: From Insight to Impact – Powered by Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming tourism operations, management, and the visitor experience. This breakout session brings together leading academics and industry practitioners to explore how AI-powered tools and digital intelligence can improve forecasting, optimize resources, and enhance personalisation - while addressing ethical and governance challenges. Through expert insights and discussion, participants will examine how research-driven innovation can translate into practical strategies for a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient tourism future.
Salon Session 4-6
Professor Haiyan Song
Chair Professor and Associate Dean, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Moderator
Professor Bela Stantic
School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Panellists
Professor Dan Wang
School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Salon Session 5: Halal Travel in Transition: Building Resilient and Inclusive Destinations
The global Muslim travel market is evolving rapidly, shaped by shifting demographics, digital-native travellers, sustainability values, and rising lifestyle expectations. This session marks the official launch of the Halal Travel Trends Report, jointly produced by CrescentRating and Mastercard, presenting data-driven insights into where the market is heading and what destinations need to do to remain relevant and competitive. Beyond the data, the session brings together practitioners from hospitality, destination marketing, and financial services to share what inclusive, resilient strategy looks like in practice. Delegates will leave with a clear understanding of the opportunity, the key gaps, and concrete actions they can take.
Fazal Bahardeen
CEO, CrescentRating & HalalTrip
Salon Session 6: Heritage-Led Tourism: Preserving Identity in a Global Market
Cultural and heritage assets are not only symbols of identity, but strategic foundations for resilient destinations. This session explores how destinations are positioning heritage-led tourism as a long-term development strategy - balancing preservation, community value, and global appeal. Case examples will examine how stewardship, authenticity, and policy alignment can strengthen resilience rather than commodify culture.
Randy Durband
CEO, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Moderator
Jennifer Chun
Director of Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority/State of Hawaii DBEDT
Panellists
Lunch
1240-1400
Fostering Deeper Bonds and Meaningful Connections: Hawai‘i’s Approach to Purposeful Tourism
In a world saturated with travel options, destinations that cultivate deeper bonds with travellers create lasting value - for visitors, communities, and local cultures alike. Drawing on Hawai‘i’s uniquely relational tourism model and reflecting on its role as the birthplace of PATA 75 years ago, this presentation connects the Association’s founding values with contemporary approaches to purposeful tourism. The session explores how meaningful connections - rooted in shared experiences, cultural understanding, and mutual respect - can shape destination identity, enhance visitor loyalty, and support sustainable tourism outcomes, offering insights for destinations seeking relevance and resilience in today’s socially conscious travel landscape.
1400-1415
Aviation, Access and Resilience: Rethinking Connectivity for Growth
Air connectivity underpins tourism growth, yet is increasingly constrained by sustainability goals, capacity limitations, and evolving demand patterns. This session examines how airlines, airports, and destinations are rethinking connectivity strategies to balance access, resilience, and long-term viability, highlighting the importance of collaboration in shaping routes, markets, and future-ready tourism ecosystems.
1415-1430
Mayur (Mac) Patel
Regional Commercial and Industry Affairs Leader - Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, OAG Aviation
Future-Proofing Tourism: The New Era of Rapid Upskilling
In an industry defined by rapid digital transformation and shifting global standards, traditional education must keep pace. PATA is proud to officially launch its Micro-Credential Programme, a "Learn. Lead. Prosper." initiative designed to deliver targeted, expert-led knowledge to tourism professionals worldwide.
This session unveils our first three flagship courses, developed by industry experts in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability (ESG), and Online Reputation. Join us as we explore how these bite-sized, high-impact learning modules are closing the skills gap and empowering the next generation of tourism leaders.
1430-1515
Karen Yue
Group Editor, TTG Asia
Moderator
Fabrizio Orlando
Director, Government Relations, Tripadvisor
Panellists
Alan Elliott Merschen
Founder, The Sigmund Project; Co-Founder, Myriad MMGY Global (pre-recorded video)
Natasha Montesalvo
Principal Consultant – Destinations, Strategy & Insights, EarthCheck
1535-1600
Networking Coffee Break
Stories That Matter: Narrative, Culture, and the Future of Experiential Travel
In an age where travel decisions are increasingly shaped by values, identity, and meaningful experiences, the stories destinations tell - and how they tell them - have never been more important. In this session, the speaker explores the power of narrative in shaping global perceptions of place, culture, heritage, and sustainability. Drawing on examples from around the world, the discussion will illuminate how thoughtful storytelling can enhance destination appeal, deepen visitor engagement, and contribute to resilient, culturally grounded tourism development.
1600-1615
1615-1625
Next Destination Presentation
1625-1630
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Closing Appreciation
Day 4: Pohang & Gyeongju | Thu, May 14
0900-1230
Half Day Complimentary Tour in Gyeongju or Pohang
In front of Hall B, 3F, HICO
All Day
Departure
The event is proudly supported by
Hosts
Supporting Airline
Breakout Session Sponsor
Official Online Hotel Booking
Event Tech Partner
Supporting Media Partners
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