Explore the crucial role of women in the travel and tourism industry, Celebrate their achievements, and Discuss strategies for driving progress and promoting equality.
Wed, March 20
0900-1730
Registration by PATA
At Leisure
Evening
Thur, March 21
Opening Ceremony
0930-0940
0940-0950
Welcome Remarks by the Province of Bohol
Speaker:
Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado
Opening Remarks by the Philippines Department of Tourism
Speaker:
0950-1000
Atty. Mae Elaine T. Bathan
Undersecretary, Legal and Special Concerns and Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary and Chairperson, Gender and Development Focal Point System of the Department of Tourism, Philippines
Panel Discussion - Breaking Barriers: Women's Empowerment in the Travel Industry
Women make up nearly 50% of the tourism industry’s workforce, yet only 1/3 of the senior levels, and even less in the C-suite level, are headed by women. What are the obstacles in this ascending career path? What are the tripping stones that could be removed to capacitate equality in the sector? From unnoticed stereotypes to equal opportunities, panellists will discuss their experiences and how they came to overcome the various barriers to career growth.
1000-1035
Dr. Saninuj “PONG” Sawasdikosol
DM, President of San Travel Service & Business Consultants; Woman Activist & Advocate in LGBTQ Community
Moderator:
Maria Patria Alodia Puyat
General Manager, Crowne Plaza Philippines
Speakers:
Aye Mya Mya Soe
General Manager- Cambodia, Intrepid Travel
Christine Ella Castañeda
DEAFInite Tour Guide
Gender Equality and Development
Accelerating progress in gender equality in the Asia Pacific is one of the seven operational priorities in ADB's Strategy 2030, and it recognises that gender equality is critical in its own right and in helping realise socioeconomic development. Under Strategy 2030, ADB scaled up its support for gender equality outcomes in the region through targeted operations to empower women and girls and through gender mainstreaming in five areas: economic empowerment, human development, decision-making and leadership, time poverty reduction, and resilience to external shocks.
Speaker:
1035-1050
Chieko Yokota
Gender Specialist, Gender Equality Division, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
1050-1115
Networking Break
Message by PATA
1115-1130
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Keynote address
H.E. Christina Garcia Frasco was appointed the Secretary of the Department of Tourism in 2022. Prior to this role, she led Liloan to become the local government unit with the highest growth rate in Cebu and to hold the largest educational scholarship programmes in the country, with year-round arts, culture, and sports tourism programmes. She is also the first female to take the role of President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Cebu. In this keynote address, she will share her stories about her journey and personal insights.
Speaker:
1130-1200
H.E. Christina Garcia Frasco
Secretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines
1200-1205
Exchange Token of Appreciation and Group Photo
1205-1430
Lunch Break and Networking
Women Behind the Scenes
Positive changes in the industry are hinged on the workforce standing on the same side about changing the systems in the industry, and this starts with understanding what is going on behind the scenes.
From constrained opportunities to societal expectations and gendered modesty, this session offers an insider's perspective on how resilient leaders navigate multifaceted challenges with innovative strategies and insights. Gain invaluable first-hand commentary on actionable steps for industry-wide progress.
1430-1500
Moderator:
Paul Pruangkarn
Chief of Staff, PATA
Panellists:
Queenie Chung
Deputy General Manager, Vpon Big Data Group
Preeti Naini
Regional Product Manager- APAC, Go City
Tourism Startups and Entrepreneurship
In the past few years, women-led startups have been blooming and thriving across and beyond the Asia Pacific region. India saw an 18% rise in women-led start-ups, the West Asia region saw a 400% increase in the number of female-led companies reaching unicorn status, UK women-led start-ups doubled since the pandemic, and more. In this session, these tourism entrepreneurs will share their story of how they started their own businesses, what are the tips to their success, and top things they want to share with tourism professionals who aspire to support or become a part of this exciting uprise of female entrepreneurship.
1500-1530
Paul Pruangkarn
Chief of Staff, PATA
Moderator:
Linda Adami
Founder and CEO, Quantum Temple
Panellists:
Ha Lam
Founder, The Happy Firm
Leading the Way: Inspirational Women in Travel
In this enlightening session, we celebrate the remarkable contributions and leadership of women in the travel industry. Join us as we hear from trailblazing executives who have found their feet in the industry and paved the way for positive change. Gain inspiration and insights into their journeys as they share their experiences, wisdom, and vision for the future of travel.
1530-1600
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Moderator:
Nandini Lahe Thapa
Officiating CEO, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Panellists:
Dr. Supawan Teerarat
PhD., President, National Food Institute, Foundation of Industral Development, Ministry of Industry, Thailand; Former SVP, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Prime Minister’s Office
Maria Paz Alberto
Chair, PATA Philippine Chapter
1600-1630
Networking Break
Panel Discussion - Sustainable Travel: Women as Agents of Change
“The pursuit of sustainable development cannot be effectively undertaken without the full and equal participation of women at all levels of decision-making and policy development.” – Observer Research Foundation.
Recognising women's pivotal role in leadership and decision-making is paramount for sustainable development. Their active involvement as stakeholders drives destinations and industries toward their full developmental potential. Join us to hear inspiring success stories where women serve as powerful agents of change, shaping a future of inclusive and sustainable growth.
1630-1700
Aletheia Tan
Head of Member Engagement, PATA
Moderator:
Shradha Shrestha
Manager, Nepal Tourism Board and National Project Coordinator, Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project, Nepal
Speakers:
Catherine Turvill
President Nurture Wellness Village, Nurture Farmacy, Spa & Wellness Professionals
Sangeetha Liyanapathirana
Manager - Health, Hygiene and Sustainability, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and 2023 PATA Face of the Future
1700-1730
Closing Keynote
Senator Loren Legarda
Senate President Pro-Tempore, Senate of the Philippines
Closing: Appreciation
1730
Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA
Speaker:
1730
End of conference
1830-2030
Welcome Dinner Reception Hosted by Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines
Fri, March 22
Departure for Technical Tour
Note: Pick up/drop off at official hotels
0830
0900-1330/ 1600
Technical Tour
Option A: Southern Bohol Circuit Tour
0830 Departure from Hotel
0915 Arrive in Santa Monica Parish Church
0950 Calamay Making and Demonstration
1100 Tour & Lunch in Bohol Bee Farm
1300 Departure from Bee Farm
1330 Arrival at Hotel Drop-off Point
Option B: Bohol Countryside Tour
0830 Departure from Hotel
1030 Arrive at Chocolate Hills
1230 Arrive at Loboc Tourism Complex & Lunch at Loboc River
1400 Departure from Loboc
1600 Arrival at Hotel Drop-off Point
Afternoon
Departure
