August 27-29, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
PATA Knowlege Forum
“Reimagining Responsible Tourism for a Regenerative Future”
Tuesday, August 27, 2 - 5 PM @ QSNCC Meeting Room 101, 1F
1400-1410
Welcome Remarks
Peter Semone
Chair, PATA
The Soft Power of Business Events for Destinations
Explore the latest innovations in business events, including new technologies and strategies to enhance the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. Discover how TCEB is leading the way in transforming business events to be the economic driver and knowledge transformation for the destination.
1410-1430
Dr. Jaruwan Suwannasat
Director of the MICE Intelligence and Innovation Department & Acting Chief Information Officer, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
MOU Signing between PATA and Tourism Seasonality Summit
1430-1440
Reinventing Hospitality: Challenges, Innovations, and the Future of Hotels
Join industry leaders for a compelling 20-minute panel discussion on the current state of the hotel industry. This session will delve into the unique challenges hotels face today, from economic pressures to changing guest expectations. Panelists will explore the latest technological advancements transforming the hospitality landscape, such as smart rooms and AI-driven services. Discover the opportunities these innovations present and gain insights into the future of hotels. This discussion will provide a holistic view of how hotels can adapt, thrive, and lead in an evolving market.
1440-1510
Junichi (Jack) Kumada
Chief Consultant, JTB Tourism Research and Consulting Co
Moderator:
Olivier Berrivin
VP, International Operations - APAC, BWH Hotels
Panellists:
Hiran Cooray
Director, Jetwing Hotels
Nichlas "Nick" Maratos
Vice President - Commercial, Dusit Thani Public Company Limited
Cindy Lui
Assistant Vice President of Resort Sales, MGM
Enhancing Cybersecurity in the Travel Industry
With the increasing digitalisation of the travel industry, cybersecurity has become a critical concern. This session will cover the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices for protecting sensitive data. Learn how to safeguard your business and build trust with your customers.
1510-1530
Samson Chan
Director, Business and Partnership, SEA, Vpon Big Data Group
Navigating the New Era of Chinese Tourism
Delve into the evolving travel trends of Chinese tourists. This session will highlight key trends, motivations, and behaviours of Chinese travellers, providing valuable insights for destinations and travel providers aiming to capture this significant market.
1530-1550
Michael Zhou
President, Guilin Tang Dynasty Tours Co., Ltd
1550-1630
The Future of Travel Agents: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
A dynamic panel discussion featuring industry experts on the evolving role of travel agents. Explore how travel agents can leverage new technologies, adapt to changing consumer preferences, and integrate ESG principles to stay relevant and thrive in the future.
Moderator:
Minmunta Pantong
General Manager, Nisco Travel
Michael Zhou
President, Guilin Tang Dynasty Tours Co., Ltd
Panellists:
Nicolas Kitzki
Managing Director/Owner, Ikarus Tours GmbH
David Chai
General Manager - Global Sourcing, Tidesquare
Understanding and Implementing EU ESG Guidelines in Tourism
This session will provide an overview of the European Union’s supply chain sustainability regulations and their implications for the tourism industry. Learn practical steps for compliance and the benefits of integrating these principles into your business operations.
1630-1700
Moderator:
Pavnesh Kumar
Director - Sustainability & Research, PATA
Watcharee Churugsa Assistant Director - General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) (DASTA)
Panellists:
Dr. Zinaida Fadeeva
Team leader SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component, SWITCH-Asia
Peter Richards
Project Manager, SWITCH ASIA Tourlink Project
