Thursday, August 29, 2024 The Pacific Asia Travel Association marks 25 years in Bangkok with its Travel Mart 2024, hosting over 900 delegates and showcasing global tourism initiatives. The 2024 edition of the PATA Travel Mart (PTM 2024), hosted by the Pacific Asia Travel Association, saw attendance from more than 900 participants hailing from 45 different locations. The event featured 266 exhibitors from 168 organizations and 24 regions, alongside 191 buyers from 173 organizations spanning 31 source markets.
This year marks the 47th iteration of PTM 2024 and is hosted at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the relocation of PATA Headquarters to Bangkok. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said , “PATA Travel Mart 2024 exemplifies our commitment to the future of Asia Pacific tourism by being a platform for high-quality buyers and sellers from Asia Pacific and beyond. It reflects the Association’s mission to promote sustainable growth, drive innovation, and foster collaboration within the Asia Pacific region.
Hosting this year’s event in Bangkok underscores PATA’s enduring partnership with Thai tourism organisations and reinforces our shared commitment to upholding Thailand’s reputation as one of the leading MICE destinations in Asia Pacific.” He added , “On behalf of the Association, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every PATA Travel Mart 2024 sponsor, partner and participant, whose steadfast support is pivotal to the continued advancement of our industry.” On August 27, the PATA Media Briefing took place at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Thailand (FCCT), highlighting PATA’s ongoing and forthcoming global projects.
The briefing featured the signing of an MOU between PATA and the Sanya Tourism Board and unveiled plans for the 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya, China. The PATA Travel Mart 2024 kicked off with the PATA Knowledge Forum 2024, emphasizing the theme “Reimagining Responsible Tourism for a Regenerative Future.” The forum presented in-depth discussions on the evolving dynamics of the tourism sector, addressing critical areas like sustainable practices, cybersecurity, and the evolving role of travel agents, providing participants with crucial insights and strategies for navigating the Asia-Pacific tourism landscape.
During the forum, an MOU was signed with the Tourism Seasonality Summit, illustrating a shared dedication to tackling peak season tourism challenges and collaboratively reducing over-tourism effects. Concurrently, the first PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair occurred at Srinakarin Hall, Dusit Thani College, drawing over 200 students and professionals. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between young talent and seasoned experts, offering career advancement opportunities through the Career Fair.
The day wrapped up with a Welcome Reception by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), inspired by “Thai Temple Fair” and featuring traditional Phi Ta Khon and Thai Puppet performances, showcasing Thailand’s cultural richness. The festivities continued with the official opening ceremony on August 28, highlighted by a modern Muay Thai exhibition and led by notable figures such as Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; and others. The PATA Gold Awards Lunch, hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office, honored 20 recipients in Marketing and Sustainability & Social Responsibility.
From August 28 to 29, the Mart facilitated robust networking and engagement sessions for buyers and sellers, with trade visitors participating in various activities on the event’s final day. The PATA Travel Mart 2024 enjoyed strong support from several sponsors including the Tourism Authority of Thailand as the Platinum Sponsor, and notable contributions from other organizations. Media partnerships were formed with entities such as Jacobs Media, Travel Daily Media, and others, enhancing the event’s outreach and impact.
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