PATA Summit Convenes in Macau, Focuses on Youth and New Trends

The annual Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) summit was held at the Grand Lisboa Palace in Cotai, Macau, from May 15-17, 2024. The event attracted over 450 delegates from 30 countries and regions.

The summit commenced with a conversation between Pansy Ho, Chair of Shun Tak Holdings, and Peter Semone, Chair of PATA. The program included PATA’s Board Meeting, Chapter Congress meetings, and an international tourism conference under the theme “Reimagining Tourism.” This conference featured over 40 speakers across more than 20 sessions, addressing topics such as hotel and air travel trends, travel technology, AI, gastronomy tourism, educational tourism, the night-time economy, and economic diversification through tourism synergies.

Key sessions included two panel discussions: “Marketing and Branding in Asia Pacific Tourism” and “Future-Proofing Travel and Tourism Policies,” moderated by BBC News and featuring tourism leaders like MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. Additionally, a highlight was the “Conversation with Pansy Ho” session, where Peter Semone interviewed the Shun Tak Holdings Executive Chairman and Managing Director.

The MGTO organized workshops on Macau’s east-meets-west heritage and tours of the city’s attractions. These activities drew over 150 participants and included an evening open-top bus tour, offering panoramic views of Macau’s illuminated landmarks.

Mr. Basant Mishra, Life Member of PATA and Executive Chairman of the Temple Tiger Garoup of Companies, also attended the event. He shared valuable insights on sustainable tourism practices and the importance of integrating local culture and heritage into tourism strategies. He emphasized the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to foster innovative solutions for the industry’s challenges.

The summit provided a comprehensive overview of current and future trends in the tourism industry, offering valuable insights for all participants.