April 21 - 23, İstanbul
Full Programme
Mon, April 21
0830-1700
Registration
Venue: Ballroom Foyer
PATA Executive Board Meeting (Executive Board Members only)
Venue: Cihangir, B Fl.
0900-1230
0900-1200
Destination Experience
1230-1330
PATA Executive Board and Delegate Lunch
Venue: Gümüşsuyu Restoran, Mezzanine Fl.
1330-1500
Industry Roundtable
Venue: Beyoglu, B FI.
Education Roundtable
Venue: Pera, B Fl.
1330-1500
1500-1515
Networking Coffee Break
Venue: Ballroom Foyer
PATA Board Discussion (PATA Board Members only)
1515-1615
1615-1730
PATA Board Meeting (Invitation only)
Venue: Sıraselviler, 2 Fl.
PATA Life Members Get-Together (By invitation only)
Venue: CVK Hotel Lobby Bar
1730-1900
PATA Executive Board and Board Members Dinner (By invitation only)
Venue: Feriye Palace
1930-2100
Tue, April 22
0800-1700
Registration
Venue: Ballroom Foyer
2025 PATA Annual General Meeting
Venue: Ballroom, B Fl.
0900-1000
1000-1100
Networking Coffee Break
Venue: Ballroom Foyer
Ask the PATA Experts (Open for appointments)
A brand-new, exclusive initiative that brings together the diverse expertise within the PATA network. Delegates can book one-on-one sessions with professionals from the PATA Pool of Experts to share knowledge, explore partnerships, and uncover business opportunities; thereby strengthening collaboration within the Association and enhancing thought leadership and industry engagement.
1000-1230
1230-1400
Lunch hosted by The Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
Venue: Gümüşsuyu Restoran, Mezzanine Fl.
1100-1230
PATA Chapter Meeting (For all delegates)
Venue: Beyoglu, B Fl.
1100-1230
PATA Policy Forum (Invitation only)
Venue: Pera, B Fl.
1400-1700
Conference
Venue: Ballroom, B Fl.
1400-1405
Welcome by Master of Ceremonies
Jonathan Low
CEO, Global Success Learning Academy
1405-1410
Opening Remarks by PATA
Peter Semone
Chair, PATA
1410-1415
Sinan Seha Türkseven
Acting General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency
Opening Remarks by TGA
1415-1420
Opening Remarks by Turkish Airlines
1420-1425
Opening Remarks by Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye
Opening Ceremony and Cultural Performance (Folk Dance)
1425-1435
PATA Thought Leaders Session: Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future
This session brings together global thought leaders to explore how past lessons, and enduring values can inform the future of sustainable tourism. Speakers will share insights on economic resilience, cultural preservation, and technology’s role in fostering responsible travel.
1435-1500
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Facilitator:
Sinan Seha Türkseven
Acting General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency
Speaker:
Tadashi Kaneko
Director of the Asia-Pacific Regional Office, UN Tourism
Professor Geoffrey Lipman
Creative Disruption Architect, The SUNx Program
Government / Ministerial Session: Building a Sustainable Future
Tourism leaders from key markets explore the future of sustainability in travel and the role of policy in shaping resilient, responsible tourism. The discussion will highlight emerging trends, innovative regulatory frameworks, and strategic policies that balance economic growth with conservation while ensuring long-term benefits for communities.
1500-1545
Randy Durband
CEO, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Moderator:
Onur Gözet
Deputy Director General for Promotion, Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Panellists:
Sharlene Batin
Assistant Secretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines
Alhasan Aldabbagh
President of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority
Florian Sengstschmid
CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board
Deepak Raj Joshi
CEO, Nepal Tourism Board
Networking Coffee Break
Venue: Ballroom Foyer
1545-1615
Ask the PATA Experts (Open for appointments)
Venue: Evergreen Garden (Outdoor area) - Ballroom Foyer
1545-1730
Press Conference
Venue: Beyoglu, B Fl.
1545-1615
1615-1730
Conference
Venue: Ballroom, B FI.
What Makes Your Destination Unique?
In an increasingly competitive tourism landscape, standing out requires bold and innovative marketing strategies. This session will explore how destinations can innovate their storytelling, digital campaigns, influencer collaborations, and immersive content to captivate travellers and create lasting impressions.
1615-1630
Alan Elliott Merschen
Founder, The SIGMUND Project; Partner, International Insights, MMGY Global
Speaker:
Sustainability Panel: Temperature Rising – Our Role as Industry Players
With climate change accelerating, the tourism industry must take urgent action to reduce emissions, adopt responsible practices, and meet global sustainability standards. This panel will explore decarbonisation efforts, corporate social responsibility, and the role of sustainability certifications in driving meaningful change across the sector.
1630-1715
Nikki Bedi
BBC News
Moderator:
Paloma Zapata
CEO, Sustainable Travel International
Panellists:
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya
President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
Prof. Dr. Hasan Ali Karasar
Rector, Kapadokya University
Armin Zerunyan
Vice President, TÜROB (Hotel Association of Türkiye)
1715-1730
Wrap Up Day 1
PAS 2025 Welcome Dinner Reception and PATA Awards Presentation
Hosted by The Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
Venue: Esma Sultan Mansion
Dresscode: Black Tie or National Dress
1900-2100
Wed, April 23
Conference
Venue: Ballroom, B Fl.
0900-1700
Ask PATA Experts (Open for appointments)
Venue: Evergreen Garden (Outdoor area) - Ballroom Foyer
0900-1700
0900-0905
Welcome by Master of Ceremonies
Jonathan Low
CEO, Global Success Learning Academy
Ideation Lab: Trend Accelerator
A fast-paced session where industry leaders unveil the latest travel trends shaping the future. From shifting consumer behaviours to digital transformations, this interactive discussion will set the stage for innovative thinking.
0905-1005
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Facilitators:
Hannah Pearson
Director, Pear Anderson
Xin Mok
Public Sector, Mastercard Asia-Pacific
Speakers:
Fabrizio Angelo Orlando
Global Director, Industry Affairs Tripadvisor
Yang Li
Head of Public Affairs, APAC, Booking.com
Mayur (Mac) Patel
Head of Asia, OAG Aviation
Fazal Bahardeen
Founder and CEO, CrescentRating
Justin Ong
Regional Manager, APAC, HBX Group
In Conversation: Rethinking Global Aviation
This exclusive fireside chat features insights from one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. A senior representative from Istanbul Airport will share perspectives on the future of global air connectivity, the role of next-generation airport infrastructure, and how innovation and sustainability are reshaping the aviation experience for both passengers and partners across the travel ecosystem.
1005-1030
Jackson Pek
SVP, Chief Corporate & Legal Affairs Officer, Amadeus
Interviewer:
Server Aydın
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), iGA Istanbul Airport
Interviewee:
Networking Coffee Break
Venue: Ballroom Foyer
1030-1100
Breakout Sessions
1100-1230
Breakout 1 - Outbound Market Focus
This session analyses the evolving outbound travel landscape, exploring trends in key source markets like China, India, and Korea (ROK).
Venue: Ballroom, B FL.
1100-1140
Moderator:
Henry Oh Jr.
Chairman, Global Tour
Zeynep Mutlu Bigalı
Head of Destination Partnerships, Skyscanner
Panellists:
George Cao
Co-founder & CEO Dragon Trail
Vikram Madhok
Managing Director
Abercrombie & Kent India Ltd
Breakout 2 - Digital Nomads and the Future of Travel
The rise of remote work is reshaping tourism. This session explores how destinations are adapting to attract digital nomads, from visa policies to infrastructure and tailored experiences.
Venue: Siraselviler, 2 Fl.
1100-1140
Olivier Ponti
Director - Intelligence & Marketing, ForwardKeys
Moderator:
Shahrin Mokhtar
Deputy Director General (Planning), Tourism Malaysia
Panellists:
Khanittha Phanworawat
Deputy Director of the Americas, the Middle East and Africa Region, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Mine Dedekoca
Founder & Chief Happiness Officer, Happy Work Studio
Breakout 3 - Building Tomorrow’s Tourism Workforce
As the tourism industry evolves, so must its workforce. This session explores strategies for attracting and developing talent, the growing importance of digital and sustainability skills, and how businesses can adapt to changing workforce expectations.
Venue: Ballroom, B FL.
1150-1230
Simon Lloyd
Dean - Hospitality Management and Business Administration, Dusit Thani College
Moderator:
Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor
CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board
Panellists:
Olivier Berrivin
Vice President-APAC, BWH Hotels
Dr. Chris Bottrill
Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University
Breakout 4 - Practical AI Applications for Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing travel, from personalized experiences to predictive analytics. This session examines how businesses can integrate AI for efficiency, customer engagement, and revenue growth.
Venue: Siraselviler, 2 Fl.
1150-1230
Moderator:
Dr. Jens Thraenhart
Co-Founder, High-Yield Tourism
Panellists:
Belma Sipka
Senior Product Manager, Hitit
Matt Gibson
CEO, UpThink
1230-1400
Lunch hosted by Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
Optimising Tourism for Meaningful Growth
As destinations welcome increasing visitor numbers, managing tourism effectively is key to long-term sustainability. This session explores strategies for balancing growth with carrying capacity, promoting off-season travel, and leveraging technology to enhance visitor experiences while preserving cultural and natural assets.
1400-1445
Moderator:
Jane Cunningham
Director of European Engagement, Destinations International
Sinan Seha Türkseven
Acting General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency
Panellists:
Mich Goh
Director of Public Policy, APAC, Airbnb
Gadijah Darries
Chief of Staff, Wesgro
Ibrahim Shiuree
CEO and Managing Director, Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation
1445-1500
Unlocking Potential: Insights from PATA’s Latest Human Capital Report
Join us for the exclusive launch of PATA’s latest report on Human Capital Development, offering fresh insights into workforce challenges, skills gaps, and emerging opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors. This concise yet impactful presentation will highlight key findings and actionable strategies to future-proof the industry’s talent pipeline.
Speaker:
Hannah Pearson
Director, Pear Anderson
Halal Travel Frontier 2025: What Destinations Need to Know Now
The global Muslim travel market is young, fast-growing, and increasingly influential—driven by Gen Z and Millennial travelers who are digitally connected, socially conscious, and seeking meaningful, faith-aligned experiences. In this spotlight session, Fazal Bahardeen, Founder and CEO of CrescentRating, shares highlights from the Halal Travel Frontier 2025 report, unveiling the key trends that will define the next phase of growth. From digital nomadism to ethical travel choices and wellness-driven journeys, this session will distill the most important insights for destinations looking to attract and serve the Muslim-friendly market. Expect practical takeaways on how to engage this dynamic segment with authenticity, inclusivity, and impact.
1500-1510
Speaker:
Fazal Bahardeen
Founder and CEO, CrescentRating
Building Bridges: Tourism at the Crossroads of East and West
In an increasingly interconnected world, the relationship between the Asia Pacific and Europe in travel and tourism is more vital than ever. Join Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA and Eduardo Santander, Executive Director/CEO of the European Travel Commission (ETC), for a conversation exploring the evolving dynamics of this interdependent travel market. This engaging discussion will delve into how PATA and ETC can harness the power of strategic collaboration to create meaningful opportunities for their members, drive sustainable tourism growth, and strengthen regional cooperation. From shared challenges to emerging trends, they will explore ways to foster resilience, enhance destination marketing, and support the long-term sustainability of the industry. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from two key industry leaders as they discuss the future of travel and tourism at the crossroads of East and West.
1510-1525
1525-1530
Celebrating Collaboration
In this brief but meaningful moment, we honour the valued partners whose unwavering support and shared vision continue to elevate the mission of PATA.
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Speakers:
Eduardo Santander
Executive Director/CEO, European Travel Commission (ETC)
Networking coffee break
Venue: Ballroom Foyer
1530-1600
The Future of Travel and Tourism
A visionary session on how travel will evolve over the next decade, exploring trends in digital transformation, changing traveller expectations, and industry resilience.
1600-1630
Sarah Kopit
Editor-in-Chief, Skift
Speaker:
1630-1650
Next Destination Presentation
1650-1700
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Closing appreciation
Thu, April 24
Half day complimentary tour
Four (4) tour options are available. Please note each delegate can select only one tour. Timing of each tour varies. Please refer to the tour programme on the website. Limited seats available and offered on a first come first served
Or delegate departure / self paying tour
0800-1300
PATA Annual Summit 2025 is proudly supported by
Host
Official Airline Partner
Supporting Media Partners
