PATA Travel Mart 2025 Sparks New Energy for Collaboration and Growth in Asia Pacific Tourism
Photo: Officiating the PATA Travel Mart 2025 Opening Ceremony are (from L/R) Khanittha Phanworawat, Deputy Director of the Americas, the Middle East and Africa Region, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO); Siripakorn Chaewsamoot, Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA); Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Xiaolong Yang, Counsellor (Cultural Affairs), Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand; Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Sharzede Datu Haji Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB); and Supawan Teerarat, President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
BANGKOK, August 28, 2025 – The PATA Travel Mart 2025 (PTM 2025), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)’s flagship international B2B travel trade event, officially commenced on Wednesday, August 27. The event welcomed over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 destinations — ranging from France and the USA to Thailand and China — including over 400 exhibitors from 225 organisations across 30 destinations, with 52% new to PTM. The Mart also brings together 225 buyers from 218 organisations across 41 source markets, 65% of whom are participating for the first time.
Beyond its mix of delegates from diverse markets and sectors, PTM 2025 was marked by the quality of connections and exchanges that took place. As buyers, exhibitors and leaders of Asia Pacific tourism gathered, the event fostered the sharing of insights, the building of meaningful business relationships, and the co-creation of solutions to industry challenges.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to PATA Travel Mart 2025 here in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. This week, we come together to connect, collaborate, and collectively shape the future of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region,” stated PATA Chair Peter Semone, during the mart’s official opening ceremony. “Yesterday, over 1,000 delegates began arriving from across the globe, reflecting the scale and collaborative spirit of this event. It is a testament to the continued relevance of PATA Travel Mart, bringing together stakeholders from across the Asia Pacific and beyond to exchange knowledge, build networks, and grow our industry.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their continued support of PATA Travel Mart. Your contributions are vital to the success of this event and to the development of tourism in the Asia Pacific region.”
Highlights at the PATA Travel Mart 2025
Youth & Future Talent
In the lead-up to the Mart, the PATA Youth Symposium 2025 was organised at Srinakharinwirot University on Monday, August 25, featuring interactive and inspiring sessions designed to assist young professionals in becoming “career-ready.” Hosted by the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University and in collaboration with Bangkok University International, the Symposium was attended by over a 100 students and industry professionals.
Thought Leadership, Innovation & Special Announcement
On August 26, the Mart commenced with the PATA Knowledge Forum 2025. Under the theme “Designing Meaningful Tourism for a Changing World,” the one-day forum convened experts across sectors to share their insights on critical topics, including global brand identity creation, the power of technology and artificial intelligence in influencing the traveller journey, and the necessary integration of inclusive values into tourism.
During the Knowledge Forum, PATA soft-launched the Association’s 75th Anniversary celebration, set to be officially launched in 2026. The milestone is a reflection on PATA’s legacy of championing collaborations across sectors and regions, while looking ahead to the future of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific and beyond.
Cultural Exchange & Hospitality
In the evening of August 26, the Welcome Reception was hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Delegates were treated to a culinary journey with signature dishes from all four regions of Thailand, accompanied by special musical performances.
The official Opening Ceremony on August 27 was officiated by Xiaolong Yang, Counsellor (Cultural Affairs), Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand; Khanittha Phanworawat, Deputy Director of the Americas, the Middle East and Africa Region, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Supawan Teerarat, President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); Siripakorn Chaewsamoot, Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA); Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO); Sharzede Salleh Askor, CEO, STB; Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA.
The ceremony featured a dance performance by Banbenjanat Thaidance, a local Thai Dancing Art school, choreographed to the reimagined version of the song ‘Peoples of the Pacific’. The song was specially commissioned by Herz Asia in 1981 for the PATA Annual Conference in Los Angeles and the rights were later donated to the Association. Once the ceremony concluded, the group was led by Semone and Hamid on a VIP tour throughout the Mart.
Celebrating Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism Excellence
The PATA Gold Awards 2025 Gala Dinner, sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), was held on August 27 to recognise outstanding contributions to responsible and innovative tourism development across the Asia Pacific region.
Other Happenings
Throughout August 27 and 28, business and open hall sessions provided extensive opportunities for networking and collaboration between buyers and sellers. On the morning of the final day, the event also welcomed Trade Visitors from various sectors.
“The success of PATA Travel Mart lies in its ability to bring people together in an environment where quality connections matter more than quantity,” added Hamid. “This event is about building trust, exploring new ideas, and shaping tourism that is inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready.”
Looking Ahead
As part of its long-term vision, PATA invited Sharzede Datu Haji Askor, CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), to welcome industry professionals to the PATA Travel Mart 2026. The event is set to be organised in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from August 18 - 20, continuing the Association’s tradition of showcasing dynamic destinations and fostering collaboration across the Asia Pacific and beyond.
PATA Travel Mart 2025 was proudly supported by Official Airline Partner, Thai Airways; Welcome Reception Sponsor, Tourism Authority of Thailand; PTM Coffee Break & Knowledge Forum Lunch Sponsor, Sarawak Tourism Board; Gold Awards Gala Dinner Sponsor, Macao Government Tourism Office; PATA Knowledge Forum Sponsor, Holafly Limited; PTM Strategic Sponsor, China National Tourist Office in Bangkok; Official Online Hotel Booking, HotelPlanner; Event Tech Partners, Cvent and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau; Supporting Partners, RX Global and Trends; Sponsor, Candela Technology AB; and Official Publication of PTM Daily, TTG Asia Media.
For event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/patahq/collections/72157724104398767/
