PATA Travel Mart 2024 (PTM 2024), organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), welcomed over 900 delegates from 45 destinations, including 266 exhibitors from 168 organisations and 24 destinations, along with 191 buyers from 173 organisations across 31 source markets.

PATA Travel Mart 2024, now in its 47th edition, is being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of PATA Headquarters’ relocation to this destination.

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 was held at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Thailand (FCCT) and covered PATA’s current and upcoming international initiatives. This briefing also included the signing of an MOU between PATA and the Sanya Tourism Board, along with the announcement of the 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event, to be organised by PATA and hosted in Sanya, China.

PTM 2024 commenced with the PATA Knowledge Forum 2024, featuring sessions centred around the theme “Reimagining Responsible Tourism for a Regenerative Future.” The forum offered valuable insights into the evolving tourism industry, covering key topics such as sustainability integration, cybersecurity challenges, and the future role of travel agents. These sessions equipped attendees with essential knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of the Asia Pacific tourism industry in contemporary times.

During the Knowledge Forum, PATA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tourism Seasonality Summit. This agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to address the challenges associated with peak season tourism and to work collaboratively towards mitigating the impacts of over-tourism.

Simultaneously, the inaugural PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair was underway at Srinakarin Hall, Dusit Thani College. With over 200 student delegates and industry professionals in attendance, this event fostered connections between aspiring young professionals and industry leaders. The Career Fair segment further provided students with opportunities to advance their tourism careers.

The day concluded with a Welcome Reception hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), themed “Thai Temple Fair.” The Phi Ta Khon performance and Thai Puppet show, both celebrated facets of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, captivated the attendees.

The official opening ceremony on August 28, which featured a contemporary Muay Thai performance, was officiated by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO); Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); Ben Montgomery, Chair, PATA Thailand Chapter and Executive Board Member, PATA; Hui Jeong Kim, Deputy Director, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO); Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Suman Pandey, Vice Chair, PATA; and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA.

The day’s event continued with the PATA Gold Awards Lunch and Awards Presentation, hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office, which celebrated 20 winners across two key categories: Marketing and Sustainability & Social Responsibility.

From August 28 to 29, business and open hall sessions provided extensive opportunities for networking and collaboration between buyers and sellers. Trade visitors were granted the opportunity to attend the Mart and participate in a variety of activities on the final day of the event.

PATA Travel Mart 2024 was proudly supported by Platinum Sponsor, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Gold Sponsors, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and Korea Tourism Organization; Sponsor, Thailand.co.th.; Event Tech Partners, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and Cvent; and Official Publication for PTM Daily, TTG Asia Media.

Media partners supporting the event included Jacobs Media, Travel Daily Media, TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific, Travelindex Group, Travel Press, Travel Voice, Travtalk, TTN Worldwide, and TTR Weekly.