MORE than 300 local and international delegates from 43 other countries are expected to arrive in Cebu starting Thursday, May 9, for the 2019 Pacific-Asia Travel Association (Pata) Annual Summit.
Slated from May 9 to 12 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, the summit carries the theme: “Progress with a Purpose.” It embraces a global forum for enhancing the sustainable growth, value and quality of tourism in the Asia Pacific region.
The big-ticket event brings together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged in the region.
Pata is a membership association working to promote the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific.
Of the 383 confirmed delegates, 289 are foreign while 94 are local stakeholders. Some 194 organizations will also be represented in the event.
Pata is mounting a one-day conference on Friday, May 10.
It said the summit “will look at the various connections that are helping to shape the industry as it moves toward a more exponential future, bringing together a diverse lineup on international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers.”
Besides the conference, the summit will also conduct a youth symposium, an activity that provides students and young professionals the opportunity to engage with senior industry leaders.
The summit also features a United Nations World Tourism Organization-Pata Leaders Debate, which brings together industry leaders from both the public and private sector to address thought-provoking issues currently affecting the industry.
The 2019 Pata Summit is hosted by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
DOT 7 Director Shahlimar Tamano said the Pata Summit is a big boost to Cebu’s tourism industry, particularly in the province’s push to become a meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (Mice) destination.
“This event serves as an opportunity to showcase Cebu as a Mice and leisure destination. This is our time to showcase Cebu’s sites, attractions, facilities, culinary delights, services and our actions with regard to protecting our environment,” said Tamano.
He added the success of hosting this event will be another feather in Cebu’s cap as a venue for big international meetings. (KOC)