PATA to hold summit 2024 in Macao; joins hand with ICCA to build on business travel, ET TravelWorld

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has recently solidified its partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement was formalised during the 62nd ICCA Congress held in Bangkok, hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). The collaboration, emphasising responsible and sustainable growth in the travel and tourism sector, aims to create meaningful connections between the two organisations on a global scale.

Under the terms of the MoU, PATA and ICCA plan to develop joint program content focused on nurturing the ‘Business Travel’ sector in the Asia Pacific region. Emphasis will be placed on sustainability in future activities and events, and both organisations will engage in cross-participation in flagship events.

“This partnership holds great promise for the expansion of business opportunities in the region as there is important synergy between the travel and tourism industry and business events, as both relate to travel and economic impact for destination and industry players. We eagerly look forward to sharing valuable insights and best practices with them,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

“ICCA is proud to sign this important MoU agreement with PATA which reinforces how closely linked our organisations are. We both share values around sustainability, education, legacy, and advocating for the global significance of international collaboration and partnership. Asia Pacific is an amazing place, culturally diverse and endlessly fascinating. It offers so much to the world in terms of travel and business. Yet it is the people here that are key to developing new opportunities, and ICCA salutes the collective energy, efficiency, and boundless desire to create unique event experiences for all,” said ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.

The MoU was signed by Gopinath on November 12, witnessed by officials from TCEB, PATA, and ICCA during the ICCA Congress in Bangkok. This is the second time Thailand played host to the ICCA Congress, with the first time in 2007 in Pattaya. In addition to this collaboration, PATA announced that the PATA Annual Summit 2024 will be hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office. The event, supported by SJM Resorts, S.A., is scheduled to take place from May 15 to 17, 2024, at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.

The summit will bring together international thought leaders, industry influencers, and decision-makers engaged in driving tourism within the Asia Pacific region. The program will include plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and meetings, providing a platform for discussions on challenges, opportunities, and the responsible and sustainable growth of tourism in the region.