Macau, Macao SAR, May 24, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) welcomed over 450 delegates from nearly 200 organisations across 29 destinations to the PATA Annual Summit 2024 (PAS 2024) at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, China.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “On behalf of PATA, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our host, the Macao Government Tourism Office, our co-host SJM, all our partners and sponsors, and the dedicated delegates who have contributed to making the PATA Annual Summit 2024 a resounding success. Your unwavering support and collaboration have made this event truly meaningful for PATA and the broader travel and tourism community. Thank you for your commitment to advancing our shared goals.”
The three-day summit, graciously hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-hosted by SJM Resorts, S.A., spanned from May 15-17. Under the theme “Reimagining Tourism”, the extensive programme comprised one and half days of PATA internal meetings, a conference spanning across one and half days, the PATA Youth Symposium, and a destination experience programme including cultural workshops and destination tours. Additionally, the event showcased the Association’s latest initiatives and introduced new elements to the summit.
Macao Government Tourism Office Director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said, “The PATA Annual Summit was a great success, gathering delegates from across the Asia Pacific and beyond to Reimagining Tourism and continue to work together to build a vibrant yet responsible development of the tourism industry in the region. Macao was very pleased to welcome another PATA flagship event after several years, and to have the opportunity to showcase participants an update and firsthand experience on how we are reimagining tourism in our city, towards more diversification, as we develop into a world center of tourism and leisure.”
Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM Resorts S.A. said, “PATA is an old friend of Macau, and bringing this Summit back is like bringing family home. She remarked, “Reflecting on the past few years, – from the bustling travel peaks of 2019 to the devastating lows of the pandemic – the one key takeaway is the interconnectedness of our world. We have seen firsthand that we are not just one industry; we are one global community, sharing one planet. We often speak of the 3Ps: People, Planet, and Prosperity, as fundamental pillars of sustainability. However, here in Macau, we are guided by 3 additional Ps that are just as vital: Public-Private-Partnership. These have remained at the forefront of SJM’s agenda from the outset, and hosting this PATA Summit is one fine example of this joint effort.”
PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “Today’s theme, Reimagining Tourism, involves a fundamental shift in how we conceive, plan, and engage in tourism activities. It goes beyond simply improving existing models and instead seeks to transform the entire tourism industry to make it more sustainable, responsible, and inclusive. This could include incorporating principles of ecotourism and sustainable development, promoting cultural exchange and understanding, leveraging technology for more immersive and accessible experiences, and prioritising the well-being of local communities and environments over sheer economic gains.”
On May 15, the summit commenced with the PATA Executive Board and PATA Board Meetings, and the PATA Life Members Get-Together, alongside the PATA Power of Networking session and the inaugural Education Roundtable session.
The following day began with the PATA Youth Symposium 2024 which was held offsite at the host university, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST). Other insightful sessions which occurred simultaneously with the symposium consisted of the Government and Industry Roundtables, as well as the PATA Chapter Congress.
The PATA-WTCF China Dialogue, supported by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and sponsored by Dragon Trail International, was also held on the morning of the second day. The Dialogue served as a platform for industry experts to delve deep into discussions of the challenges and opportunities that can be found in the ever-evolving sector of China Inbound Tourism.
The day concluded with PAS 2024 Welcome Dinner Reception and PATA Awards Presentation, which saw attendees in their best national costumes for the Cultural Attire Competition @ PAS2024, in celebration of diversity, cross-cultural understanding, and the rich heritage of each destination.
The main conference, beginning on the afternoon of May 16 and concluding on May 17 featured the official opening ceremony followed by sessions covering various topics under the theme ‘Reimagining Tourism’, including:
– State of the World Economy
– Marketing and Branding in Asia Pacific Tourism
– Reimagining Your Business Model
– Future-Proofing Travel and Tourism Policies
– In Conversation with Pansy Ho
– Key Travel and Tourism Trends to Watch
– Where Are We Heading?
– Hotel Industry Trends
– Air Travel Trends & Outlook in APAC
– Navigating the Skyline: Aviation’s Evolution in Asia Pacific
– Launch of Brand New PATA Report on Human Capital Development
– Deep Dive into the Future of the Tourism Workforce
– Gastronomy Tourism: Balancing Innovation with Local Preservation
– Tourism Synergies to Diversify Economy
– The Future of Travel and Tourism
– and breakout sessions focusing on Travel Technology, Educational Tourism, Night-time Economy and The Future of Travel Agents in the Age of AI.
During the Partnerships for Tomorrow session, two Memorandums of Understandings between PATA and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and between PATA and the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF) were signed, honouring the bond between the organisations and strengthening the commitment to advancing responsible tourism for the years to come.
Furthermore, the PATA Kind Hearts initiative was launched at this week’s event, underscoring the Association’s commitment to positively impacting local communities in the destinations where PATA events are hosted. Speakers, delegates and staff were encouraged to participate by bringing one or more children’s books in various languages and genres to be collected and donated to the libraries of ICM – Instituto Cultural de Macau (Macao Cultural Institute).
On the last two days of the programme, delegates had the opportunity to participate in various destination experiences. Workshops on making traditional Portuguese & Macanese desserts, “Pastel de Nata & Genete” (Egg Tart & Caterpillar Cookie), and Portuguese Blue Tile “Azulejo” Painting were held on May 17, and delegates were able to choose to join tours organised by MGTO, whether it be Macao’s night skyline sightseeing or paying visits to Macao’s iconic sites and heritages. A tour of Hong Kong SAR, offered by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, was also one of the provided options.
The PATA Annual Summit 2024 was hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-hosted by SJM Resorts, S.A. The event was supported by China Dialogue partner, World Tourism Cities Federation and sponsor Dragon Trail International; VIP lunch Sponsor, BBC News; Coffee Cart Sponsor & Supporting Media Partner, South China Morning Post; Event Tech Partners, Cvent and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); Official Carrier, Air Macau; and Supporting Media Partners, Travelindex, TravelNewsHub, Jacobs Media Group / Travel Weekly, Macao News, TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific, Travel Press Korea, TravTalk India, TTG Asia, Travel & Tourism News Middle East (TTN), and TTR Weekly.
About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organisations, which including government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.
About MGTO
In accordance with Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR) Government’s strategy of positioning and developing Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure, MGTO serves as the public entity responsible for implementing, analyzing and assisting in formulating the tourism policies of the Macao SAR to enhance Macao’s reputation as a quality destination.
Together with local trade, MGTO promotes Macao’s tourism products and services not only in the leading and emerging tourism markets but also evaluates and seeks to develop potential markets to attract diverse visitor sources for Macao.
The Office works hard to strengthen its connections with overseas travel trade as well as regional and international tourism organizations to achieve Macao tourism development.
Locally, MGTO plays an important role in fostering the improvement and diversification of tourism products as well as promoting, coordinating or facilitating a variety of tourism projects and mega events.
As the supervising entity for the Macao tourism industry, MGTO ensures the sector’s operations are under legal framework by licensing and inspecting the establishments, venues and activities to ensure quality and integrity for the tourism industry.
The Office also persists in setting up quality standards and fostering training opportunities for local sectors especially in hospitality, catering and business tourism areas through collaboration with training institutes and tourism entities so as to upgrade service quality and ensure sustainable improvement.
The MGTO formulates emergency plans for tourism crises and manages the Macao SAR’s travel alert system to ensure the safety of Macao residents while travelling abroad and tourists during their stay in Macao.
About SJM Resorts, S.A.
SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) is a leading owner, operator and developer of premier integrated entertainment resorts in Macau, with the Lisboa brand grown to become synonymous with the city. The company’s tourism portfolio caters to a wide spectrum of customers, and is reputed for its iconic hotel architecture and facilities, award-winning gastronomy, outstanding hospitality and authentic local experiences. SJM laid the foundation for Macau’s growth over the past decades and continues to invest as Macau grows into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. SJM is a principal subsidiary of the Hong Kong-listed SJM Holdings Limited (HKEx 880).
The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau is SJM’s newest flagship in Cotai, and also the newest integrated resort in Macau. Inspired by European monumental buildings juxtaposed with traditional Chinese motifs, the resort celebrates the confluence of East and West, and brings out the rich cultural heritage of Macau. The property offers 1,890 luxurious rooms and suites in three distinctively designed hotel towers – the modern Chinoiserie-style Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, the one and only THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU and Asia’s first Palazzo Versace Macau. It is the only resort in the world to house two fashion-branded hotel towers. Other facilities include diverse cuisines underpinned by SJM’s industry-leading culinary expertise, a 75,000-square-metre retail mall, versatile meeting and event venues, exclusive spa and wellness facilities in each hotel tower, as well as exciting entertainment options.
UN Tourism has celebrated the official launch of the Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Observatory Ireland (ASTOI) in Sligo, Ireland.
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