August 2024

A memorandum of understanding was signed by Pacific Asia Travel Association with the Sanya Tourism Board to create a strategic alliance focused on the sustainable growth of tourism in Sanya and tropical islands across the Asia Pacific region.

The MOU was ratified by Sanya Tourism Board director general, Mr. Albert Yip and PATA chief executive officer Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, during the 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event media briefing on August 27, which was held in conjunction with PATA Travel Mart 2024.

Sanya as the most representative tropical coastal city in China, has rich tourism resources and unique geographical advantages, is one of the PATA’s important cooperative partner for future development stated PATA’s chief executive officer.

According to the agreement, both parties will work together to strengthen cooperation in culture and tourism, conduct in-depth tourism research in fields such as the development of tropical coastal tourism, international tourism marketing, and sustainable development.

As part of the MOU both parties commit to jointly organise the Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya for three years from 2024 to 2026, with the aim of expanding Sanya’s influence within the global island tourism industry.

The 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event, will take place at the China Hyatt Regency Sanya Tianli Bay in Sanya, Hainan, China from September 4th to 5th.

Under the theme ‘The Next Wave: Shaping the Future of Tourism Marketing in Tropical Coastal Cities’ the event will delve into key topics on innovative international tourism marketing strategies, support local communities, and the sustainable development of tropical coastal cities.

What the event aims to provide, is a platform for tropical coastal city mayor and tourism professionals, to share best practices while establishing Sanya, as a key inbound international tourism destination in China.

This event marks a significant milestone in fostering closer cooperation and joint development among tropical coastal cities.

This year, the ITB Asia conference has adopted the theme ‘Innovating for Tomorrow: Strengthening Future Resilience in Travel and Tourism’ which will be the main focus over the three days from October 23 to 25 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.

Under this theme, attendees will be able to obtain ground-breaking knowledge and insights, how to adapt to changing consumer expectations as well as, improve operational efficiency to create a sustainable and more immersive experiences.

Renowned industry experts, including notable figures from Almaty Tourism Bureau, Booking.com, Croatian National Tourist Board, Dubai World Trade Centre, FCM Meetings and Events, Live Group, MG Group, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and World Travel and Tourism Council, will explore, debate and discuss the latest insights revolutionising the travel and tourism sector.

Opening keynote on the first day is by Ms. Liz Ortiguera, the managing director Asia-Pacific and senior advisor to the chief executive officer of World Travel amd Tourism Council. Title of her speech is ‘Global Trends for Sustainable Travel and Tourism’. Attendees will gain an economic outlook on the travel and tourism industry in Asia-Pacific, global and regional trends that are influencing the sector’s transition towards a sustainable future.

While Mr. Kevin Goh, chief executive officer lodging of CapitaLand Investment Limited and is the chief executive officer, The Ascott Limited will deliver a keynote speech entitled ‘Navigating the Future of Travel: Embracing Technological Innovation’ offering an insight on the transformative impact of technology in the industry.

According to Ms. Joyce Wang, executive director of Messe Berlin, organiser of ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, this year’s ITB Asia is “jam-packed and full of energy celebrating the vibrant travel tourism scene with cultural and destination showcases complemented by a seamless B2B business meetings scheduler.”