×
Get latest travel news
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) celebrated its long-standing members during a festive dinner ceremony on May 11, 2026, at the PATA Annual Summit in Pohang, Republic of Korea. This commendable event highlighted organizations and institutions that have shown enduring commitment to the association over the past 50, 60, and 70 years, contributing significantly to the evolution of the tourism industry across Asia Pacific.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid expressed that the upcoming 75th anniversary is an opportunity to honour the dedicated members whose continued support and collaboration will foster sustainable tourism growth and innovation in the region.
Advertisement
Advertisement
This year, organizations marking their 70 years of membership with PATA include the Guam Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd., and the Philippine Department of Tourism. With a rich history of promoting tourism, these entities have been instrumental in advancing initiatives that intertwine economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. Notably, other 70-year stalwarts such as Destination NSW, Marianas Visitors Authority, Tahiti Tourisme, and Tourism Fiji continue their vital work even when not present at the ceremony.
Their unwavering commitment underscores the significance of strategic foresight, which is essential for navigating Asia Pacific towards an era marked by responsible, high-value tourism experiences that respect both nature and diverse cultures.
Honorees celebrating 60 years of PATA membership comprise a diverse group, including the Global Tour Ltd., Hong Kong Tourism Board, Japan Association of Travel Agents, Korea Tourism Organization, Macao Government Tourism Office, Nepal Tourism Board, Smith’s Motor Boat Service, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Malaysia, World Express Group, and Yeti Travels Pvt. Ltd..
These organizations have been at the forefront in advocating eco-friendly tourism practices, leveraging digital marketing initiatives, and developing sustainable hospitality infrastructures. Noteworthy representatives, such as Henry Oh, Yoon-Ho Kim, Kyungsoo Yang, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Rohini Prasad Khanal, and Yi-Chen Huang, emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in fulfilling long-term sustainability objectives.
Their collective actions are laying a robust foundation for a future-oriented tourism ecosystem where responsible travel and advanced hospitality technologies synergistically foster growth while preserving cultural and environmental integrity.
Organizations celebrating 50 years of membership include All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, PACTO DMC INDONESIA, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, and Tourism Solomons. Attendees such as Yasuyuki Suzuki, Yeonhee Cho, Raty Ning, Lesley Timothy, and Dagnal Dereveke were recognized for their unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism development, hospitality innovation, and regional tourism advancement.
Additional 50-year achievers consist of ITDC India, Messe Berlin/ITB Berlin, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, who have all contributed to constructing future-ready tourism frameworks, intelligent destination management, and environmentally friendly service practices. Their leadership exemplifies how the tourism sector can evolve into a more resilient, sustainable, and high-performing economy across Asia Pacific.
Through decades of steadfast dedication, PATA’s long-term members have strengthened the groundwork for a forward-thinking vision for sustainable tourism in the region. Prioritizing environmentally responsible travel, community-focused tourism, wellness solutions, and digital enhancements, these organizations strive to cultivate a more resilient and value-centered tourism model.
PATA reiterated the importance of fostering public-private partnerships, strategic alliances, and the exchange of knowledge to maintain Asia Pacific’s competitive edge in global tourism. Members are dedicated to guiding eco-sensible hospitality advancements, cross-regional tourism integration, and climate-responsible tourism regulations, ensuring that the industry grows in a manner that aligns with international standards for sustainability and quality.
The celebration of PATA’s 75th anniversary stands testament to its legacy and commitment to fostering future growth in sustainable tourism. By leveraging innovative practices, expertise, and global collaboration, members aim to usher in a new era of tourism that is valuable, eco-conscious, and immersive, particularly throughout the Asia Pacific region.
As more global travelers are inclined toward sustainability, wellness, and purpose-driven experiences, countries like Nepal, Thailand, Hawaii, and Guam are well-positioned to lead the charge in pioneering sustainable tourism.
Image Source: PATA
Source: The post PATA Celebrates Long-Standing Members While Asia Pacific Prepares for the Future of Sustainable Tourism Growth, Innovation and Regional Hospitality Development first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
