As of February 4, 2026.
Day 1: Pohang | Mon, May 11
0830-1700
Registration
Foyer, 4F, Lahan Hotel (also available in Gyeonju, in front of Hall B, 3F, HICO)
0900-1200
PATA Youth Symposium
Grand Hall, 5F, Lahan Hotel
Destination Experience (3 programmes)
*3 tour options will be provided across Pohang and Gyeongju. Delegates staying at official hotels in both cities will be provided transfer to any tour of their choice.
0900-1230
1000-1230
PATA Executive Board Meeting
Open 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
1330-1500
Industry Roundtable
Emerald Hall, 4F, Lahan Hotel
Education Roundtable
Ruby Hall, 4F, Lahan Hotel
1530-1730
PATA Board Meeting
Sapphire Hall, 4F, Lahan Hotel
1800-2030
PAS 2026 Opening Ceremony & PATA Awards Presentation Dinner
Grand Hall, 5F, Lahan Hotel
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 MR 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
Setting the Scene: Navigating Towards a Resilient Future
As PATA marks its 75th Anniversary, this opening address sets the strategic context for the Summit by framing what resilience means for tourism today — not as a buzzword, but as a practical challenge facing destinations, businesses, and institutions across the Asia Pacific region. Drawing on global shifts in technology, sustainability, geopolitics, and traveller behaviour, the session outlines the key questions the Summit will explore and invites participants to reflect on how the industry can adapt, transform, and thrive amid ongoing uncertainty.
1405-1415
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
1415-1430
Opening Keynote
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.
1430-1515
1515-1530
Presentation
1530-1600
1530-1600
Press Conference
Meeting Room 205, 2F
Networking Coffee Break
Rethinking Destination Marketing, Measurement and Impact
This session introduces the latest report on 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.
1600-1615
Resilience at Scale: Global Institutions, Industry Alignment and the Road Ahead
What does resilience look like when viewed from a global perspective? This panel brings together leaders from international tourism and industry organisations to reflect on the structural shifts shaping tourism worldwide - from governance and policy coordination to industry alignment and shared responsibility. The discussion will surface areas of convergence and tension, highlighting where global frameworks support destinations in navigating change, and where gaps still exist between ambition and implementation.
1615-1700
1700-1715
From Disruption to Direction: Leadership Lessons in Recovery and Expansion
Wrap Up Day 1
1715-1730
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
Presentation
0905-0915
0915-1005
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.
1005-1030
Networking Coffee Break
Breakout Session 1-3
Hall B, 3F, HICO
1030-1130
Breakout Session 1
Breakout 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.
Breakout 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.
Breakout Session 4-6
Hall B, 3F, HICO
1130-1230
Breakout Session 4: AI-Driven Tourism Innovation for Regional Development – Powered by Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Breakout Session 5: Aviation, Access and Resilience: Rethinking Connectivity for Growth
Air connectivity underpins tourism growth, yet faces increasing pressure from sustainability goals, capacity constraints, and shifting demand patterns. This session examines how airlines, airports, and destinations are rethinking connectivity strategies to balance access, resilience, and long-term viability. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration in shaping routes, markets, and future-ready tourism ecosystems.
Breakout 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.
Lunch
Hall A, 3F, HICO
1230-1400
1400-1445
Breakout Session 7-9
Hall B, 3F, HICO
1455-1540
Breakout Session 10-12
Hall B, 3F, HICO
1540-1600
Networking Coffee Break
1600-1615
Presentation
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
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