PATA Knowledge Forum 2025
“Designing Meaningful Tourism for a Changing World”
Tuesday, August 26 @ Meeting Room 109, QSNCC
Held in conjunction with the PATA Travel Mart 2025, the PATA Knowledge Forum 2025 is set to cover major trends and movements in the travel and tourism sectors, paving the way for a future-ready Asia Pacific tourism industry.
0900-0905
Welcome by Master of Ceremonies
0905-0925
Peter Semone
Chairman, PATA
Opening Remarks by PATA and TAT
0920-0930
Setting the Stage & Launching PATA’s 75th Anniversary in 2026
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
0930-0940
Invitation to PATA Travel Mart 2026
0940-0945
Sponsor Remarks
Opening Keynote: The Future of Travel in a Borderless, Cashless World
As the world shifts toward frictionless, cashless, and hyper-connected travel, this keynote explores how digital innovation is transforming everything from trip planning and payment to on-the-ground mobility. Discover how industry leaders are adapting to a digital-first traveller mindset.
0945-1005
Ploy Intarathachang
Industry Manager, Google
Inspired Journeys: Chinese Traveller Perspectives and the Thailand Experience
As travel resumes and traveller expectations evolve, how can destinations connect more meaningfully with a new generation of Chinese visitors? In this forward-looking session, Chinese thought leaders share their insights into what today’s travellers seek - from emotional resonance and digital engagement to confidence in every step of the journey. Using Thailand as a case study, the panel reflects on how the Kingdom continues to inspire, welcome, and adapt to the preferences of one of its most important source markets.
1005-1045
Peter Semone
Chairman, PATA
Moderator:
Xiaodong Ji
Chairman, China Chamber of Tourism
Speakers:
Jason Wang
COO, Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF); Executive Director, Global Tourism Economy Research Centre
1045-1115
Networking Coffee Break
Flight Paths Forward: The 2025 PATA–OAG Aviation Outlook
In this first-ever joint report from OAG and Deloitte, discover fresh insights into the current state of aviation across Asia Pacific. This session highlights current trends in air connectivity, traveller flows, and capacity, as well as forward-looking implications for tourism recovery and regional route development.
1115-1145
Mayur Patel
Head of Asia, OAG
Speakers:
Thomas Pellegrin
Asia Pacific Aviation Leader, Deloitte
Voices of the Future: Next-Gen Perspectives on Tourism’s Evolving Workforce
What does the future of tourism look like through the eyes of tomorrow’s leaders? This session brings together rising voices from Gen Z and Millennials - young professionals and students - who share their expectations, aspirations, and ideas for building a more inclusive, innovative, and fulfilling tourism industry. From skills development and workplace values to leadership and purpose, hear what matters most to those helping shape tourism’s next chapter.
1145-1215
Moderator:
Mike Stewart
Regional General Manager Southeast Asia, Intrepid
Speakers:
Yeji Cho
International Cooperation Team, Korea Tourism Organisation
Aung Zwe Wint
Assistant Advisor, Bangkok University Student Chapter and Intern, PATA
Thet Hnin Ko Ko (Alice)
Hospitality Management Student, Dusit Thani College
1215-1330
Networking Lunch hosted by Sarawak Tourism Board
Towards a Meaningful Tourism Economy
What does it mean to create a tourism economy that delivers more than financial returns? This session explores how tourism stakeholders are turning vision into action - embedding purpose, equity, and authenticity across the visitor economy. Anchored in the aspiration of a meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy, the discussion will highlight how tourism can be a force for good: uplifting communities, celebrating cultural diversity, and protecting our region’s shared resources for future generations.
1330-1400
Moderator:
Alex Rayner
Executive Board Member, PATA
Speakers:
Peter Semone
Chairman, PATA
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot
Director General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt
Executive Director, Meaningful Tourism Center
Unboxing the Future: Reimagining Tourism for a Changing World
In a time of rapid change, tourism leaders are being called to think beyond the familiar. This interactive session invites participants to challenge long-held assumptions, explore new mindsets, and co-create innovative ideas for more meaningful, resilient, and people-centered tourism. Through guided reflection, peer dialogue, and creative tools including discussion cards (What’s in the Box, Unbox the box), the session will help unlock fresh thinking that aligns with both emerging traveller values and long-term industry transformation.
1400-1445
Facilitators:
Jonathan Low
CEO, Global Success Learning Academy
Martin Venzky-Stalling
Director, Ennova Partners
Inclusive Travel - Building Welcoming Journeys for All
Inclusive travel means more than accessibility—it’s about empathy, equity, and diverse representation. This session explores how destinations and businesses are evolving to serve the full spectrum of travellers.
1445-1515
Speaker:
Roni Weiss
Executive Director, Travel Unity
Yang Li
Head of Public Affairs, APAC, Booking.com
Panellist:
Connected Journeys: Reimagining the Travel Experience in a Digital-First World
Explore how technology, data, and cross-sector collaboration are reshaping every step of the traveller’s journey - from inspiration and planning to booking, payment, and on-the-ground experiences. This dynamic 30-minute panel will uncover emerging consumer expectations, innovations in personalization and seamless travel, and the growing importance of integrated digital ecosystems in building the travel experiences of tomorrow.
1515-1545
John Williams
Vice President - Asia, Advertising Sales, BBC Studios Asia
Speakers:
Cindy Lui
Vice President of Resort Sales,
MGM
Mark Halberstein
CEO, Simplenight
1545-1555
Announcement of PATA Travel Mart 2026
PATA Travel Mart 2025 is proudly supported by
Official Venue
Official Airline Partner
Sponsor
Welcome Reception Sponsor
PATA Knowledge Forum Sponsor
Official Online Hotel Booking
Supporting Partner
Event Tech Partners
Official Publication of PTM Daily
Supporting Media Partners
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