PATA Honours Long-Standing Members at PAS 2026

Priyal Dutta3 weeks Ago2 Mins read119

PATA Honours Long-Standing Members at PAS 2026

Photo (L/R): Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Dr. Erwin Balane, Tourism Attaché, Philippines Department of Tourism - Korea Office; Hiroshi Tanimura, Executive Director of International Affairs Department at JATA, Secretary General of PATA Japan Chapter, representing Katsuo Aso, Senior Manager - Global Business Department, Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd.; Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority; Jadie Goo, Acting Chief Brand Officer, Hawaii Tourism Authority; Régine Lee, President & CEO, Guam Visitors Bureau; and Peter Semone, former Chair, PATA.

PATA Membership Milestones Celebrated at Annual Summit in Korea

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) recognized several long-standing member organisations during the PATA Executive Board & Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner held on May 11 as part of the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in Pohang, Korea.

The recognition ceremony formed part of PATA’s 75th anniversary celebrations and acknowledged organizations that have maintained membership with the association for more than 50, 60, and 70 years.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said the long-standing support and participation of member organisations have contributed to the association’s continued role in tourism development across the Asia Pacific region.

Organisations Recognized for 70 Years of Membership

Among the organisations recognized for more than 70 years of membership were Guam Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd., and the Philippine Department of Tourism. Other organizations acknowledged included Destination NSW, Marianas Visitors Authority, Tahiti Tourisme, and Tourism Fiji.

Organizations Recognized for 60 Years of Membership

Photo: Front row (L/R): Kamilia Hani Abdul Halim, Director, Tourism Malaysia Seoul; Suja Shakya, Senior Manager – Sales & Marketing, Yeti Travels Pvt. Ltd.; Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority, representing Kamika Smith, General Manager, Smith’s Motor Boat Service, Inc.; and Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office.

PATA also recognized organizations with more than 60 years of membership, including the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organization, Macao Government Tourism Office, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Malaysia, Thai Airways International, and the Japan Association of Travel Agents.

Additional organizations recognized in this category included Global Tour Ltd., World Express Group, Yeti Travels Pvt. Ltd., Taiwan Tourism Administration, and Smith’s Motor Boat Service, Inc.

Organizations Recognized for 50 Years of Membership

Photo (L/R): Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Dagnal Dereveke, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Solomons; Raty Ning, President Director, PACTO DMC INDONESIA; Lesley Timothy, Executive Officer, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority; Simon Lloyd, Dean, Hospitality Management and Business Administration, Dusit Thani College; Yeonhee Cho, Director of Sales – GSO Korea, Dusit Thani Public Company Limited; Yasuyuki Suzuki, Senior Director, Tourism and Regional Revitalization, All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.; and Peter Semone, former Chair, PATA.

Organizations recognized for more than 50 years of membership included All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, PACTO DMC Indonesia, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, and Tourism Solomons.

The recognition ceremony highlighted the longstanding partnerships between The Pacific Asia Travel Association and tourism organisations, airlines, hospitality groups, and travel companies across the Asia Pacific region.

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Priyal Dutta

I create compelling stories that showcase the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. At Safari India, I explore industry trends, write insightful articles, and produce content that informs and engages readers. With a talent for storytelling and a strategic approach, I strive to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations through my work.