PATA Awards Recognise Contributions to Travel and Tourism Industry

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) recognized leaders and industry professionals during the PATA Annual Summit 2026, held in Pohang, South Korea. The awards were presented during the PATA Executive Board, Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner at Lahan Hotel on 11 May.

PATA presented Awards of Merit, Life Memberships and the Chairman’s Award to individuals for their contributions to the travel sector and their support for the association over the years.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid congratulated the recipients and acknowledged their role in supporting the organisation and the wider tourism industry.

Among the recipients of the PATA Life Membership were SanJeet, Director of DDP Publications Private Limited, and Suman Pandey, Group Chairman of Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure. The honour recognises individuals for their long-term contribution and leadership within PATA.

SanJeet has been associated with PATA for more than two decades and has served in several leadership and committee roles, including with the PATA India Chapter. He also played a role in bringing the PATA Travel Mart to New Delhi in 2023.

Suman Pandey has contributed to Nepal’s tourism industry through work across adventure travel, aviation and hospitality. He has also held positions with associations and industry bodies in Nepal, and has supported initiatives related to tourism development and sustainability.

PATA also presented Awards of Merit to Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador at Centara Hotels & Resorts, and Judy Torres, Deputy Managing Director of the Marianas Visitors Authority, for their continued contribution to PATA and the tourism sector.

Kornchalee Tantimongkonsakul from PATA Corporate Affairs received the PATA Chairman’s Award in recognition of her support for the organisation’s leadership, governance and member engagement initiatives.

The summit brought together stakeholders, industry representatives and association members from across the Asia Pacific region to discuss tourism development and collaboration.

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