DRMumbai: Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, H E Ban Ki-moon, is set to be the opening keynote speaker at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Summit 2018. PAS 2018, hosted by the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) and Gangwon Province, will be held from May 17 to 20 at the Lakai Sandpine Resort in Gangneung, Korea (ROK).
“We are truly honoured to be welcoming His Excellency Ban Ki-moon to the PATA Annual Summit 2018. His vision and leadership in encouraging partnerships, global citizenship and sustainable development are aligned with the Association’s mission in creating a unified and strong Asia Pacific travel industry,” said Dr.Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA.
“In his two consecutive terms as UN Secretary-General between 2007 and 2016, he was instrumental in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the introduction of tourism as an integral aspect of it. Furthermore, he also oversaw the negotiation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and is a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, having successfully pressed for the creation of UN Women, an agency that consolidates the UN’s work in this area. This is indeed an incredible and rare opportunity for our members and delegates to be inspired by one of the world’s top global thinkers.”
PAS 2018, under the theme ‘Building Bridges, Connecting People: How Collaboration Creates Opportunities’, is a 4-day event that brings together international thought leaders and industry professionals that are engaged with the Asia Pacific Region. The Annual Summit embraces a dynamic one-day conference that will examine the various connections that are helping to shape the industry as we move towards a more exponential future, bringing together a diverse line-up on international thought leaders, industry shapers, and senior decision-makers.
The one-day conference is followed by the half-day UNWTO/PATA Leaders Debate, where tourism leaders from both the public and private sector will come together to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Edmund Bartlett, CD, MP, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, has confirmed his participation in the debate.
Before the conference, the Association also provides the opportunity for students and young professionals to engage with industry leaders at the PATA Youth Symposium. A primary focus of the Association’s Human Capital Development Programme is upon the development of the ‘Young Tourism Professional’ (YTP) and the symposium highlights PATA’s commitment to this endeavour.
