PATA has elected Henry Oh of Global Tours as chair of the association, following ratification at the annual general meeting on May 12.
Ben Montgomery of Centara Hotels & Resorts has been appointed vice chair.
Top row from left: Henry Oh and Ben Montgomery; bottom row from left: Jackson Pek, Maria Paz Alberto, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Shuichi Kameyama and Sharzede Salleh Askor
Four new members have also been ratified to the executive board: Jackson Pek of Amadeus; Maria Paz Alberto of Ark Travel Express; Siripakorn Cheawsamoot of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration; and Shuichi Kameyama of JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co.. They join Sharzede Salleh Askor of Sarawak Tourism Board, who remains on the board.
In a rapidly changing world where multiple factors continue to affect travel and tourism – alongside ongoing debate over tourism’s value – PATA’s leadership believes the association can remain relevant to members by staying agile and adaptive.
Raising what he described as an “uncomfortable question” on the second day of the PATA Annual Summit (PAS) in Gyeongju, South Korea, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “Is PATA still relevant? It is an uncomfortable question, but an essential one. Before we discuss the future of tourism, strengths, technology, sustainability or the visitors economy, we must first honestly ask ourselves whether this association still matters in this rapidly changing world.”
From left: Henry Oh and Noor Ahmad Hamid discussed PATA’s future relevance during PAS 2026 in Gyeongju, South Korea
Noor reflected on PATA’s formation in 1951 by a group of industry leaders who believed that “tourism could connect North America, the Pacific, Asia and the wider world through peace, understanding, respect and shared opportunity”.
He noted that over the past 75 years, PATA “grew alongside one of the most dynamic tourism regions in the world, helping bring governments, businesses, educators and communities together around a shared purpose”.
While acknowledging the celebratory tone surrounding PATA’s 75th anniversary, Noor said there was also a need to reflect on the many macro-environmental factors – from geopolitical tensions to the proliferation of AI – that have brought both challenges and opportunities to the travel and tourism sector.
Referring to PATA’s past achievements, Noor said “legacy and history alone will never secure the future”, affirming the association’s readiness to evolve in support of its members and the wider tourism industry.
He said: “Relevance is defined by an ability to bring together different perspectives from across the tourism ecosystem, governments, businesses, destinations, academia and the young professional, and turn dialog into ideas and partnership into action.
“(Relevance) matters even more today because the future of tourism will depend not only on growth, but also how effectively we respond to shared challenges, adapt to change, and create long-term value for destinations and communities.”
The themes of relevance, adaptability and resilience are expected to feature prominently throughout PAS 2026.
Henry Oh, the newly elected chairman of PATA, said “the forces reshaping tourism, from digital transformation and artificial intelligence to evolving traveller expectations, workforce development and destination resilience, are not distant challenges”.
“They are immediate realities requiring collaboration, innovation and a shared sense of responsibility. (PATA’s) goal is not only to respond to change, but to shape it, ensuring that tourism continues to deliver meaningful benefits for communities, economies and the environment,” added Oh.
Oh was elected to the position following ratification at the PATA Annual General Meeting on earlier today.
Under his leadership, Oh promised to facilitate tourism exchange between South Korea and the world, deepen engagement with chapter members across the region, and raise PATA’s prestige as a leading travel and tourism industry representative.
Globus family of brands will transition Chris Hall from managing director, Asia Pacific to chairman and strategic advisor, a newly-created role effective July 15, 2026.
He has led the Asia-Pacific region since March 2025, most recently driving a refreshed strategy across product, pricing and marketing, including new flight-inclusive offerings and value-led initiatives.
Australia’s flagship tourism tradeshow opened in Adelaide this week, with more than 2,700 delegates gathering for the 46th Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE26).
Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre for the first time since 2018, the event, which began on Monday, brings together international buyers and Australian tourism operators for four days of business appointments, networking and destination experiences aimed at driving future inbound growth.
Tourism Australia chair Penny Fowler addresses delegates at ATE26 in Adelaide, which drew more than 2,700 attendees; photo by Adelaine Ng
Tourism Australia managing director Robin Mack said ATE26 reflected confidence in Australia’s inbound tourism outlook despite global volatility affecting the travel sector.
“At times of uncertainty, being together is even more important than ever before with what’s happening around the world,” he said. “But I know as an industry we’re resilient and we’ll get through everything and anything together.”
More than 700 buyers and travel agents from 32 countries are attending the event, meeting with 1,400 Australian tourism representatives across more than 55,000 scheduled appointments. Tourism Australia said 131 buyer organisations are attending ATE for the first time, alongside 74 new tourism products being showcased.
Mack said Tourism Australia’s role was now “more important than ever” in shaping international demand and supporting visitor dispersal into regional Australia.
Australia’s trade and tourism minister Don Farrell, addressing delegates via video message, said ATE continues to play a critical role in strengthening the country’s visitor economy and international tourism partnerships.
“The exchanges that happen at ATE will help to ensure that Australian tourism businesses continue to grow and thrive into the future,” Farrell said, pointing to tourism’s importance to communities and jobs across the country.
South Australian tourism minister Emily Bourke used the opening to position the state as a growing force in Australian tourism, noting that local industry confidence has strengthened since Adelaide last hosted the event eight years ago.
“We’ve grown because we’ve had investment from a government willing to make that change,” Bourke said. “Tourism is our way of life in South Australia. You can come here and feel connected to something much bigger than just going to a destination.”
Bourke encouraged delegates to explore the state beyond the convention centre, highlighting South Australia’s food, wine and regional experiences. She pointed to Adelaide Central Market’s recent ranking as the world’s third-best market, while the Flinders Ranges was the only Australian destination named in Lonely Planet’s top places to visit in 2026.
Tourism Australia chair Penny Fowler said the event comes at an important moment for the sector as it navigates shifting global conditions.
“As we started this year, Australia was well placed on a path towards sustainable growth, welcoming more than nine million international visitors,” she told delegates.
“While global circumstances may have shifted, we have a long term plan through our Tourism 2035 strategy that sets the course for a sustainable future for our inbound tourism sector.”
Fowler also underscored the importance of business relationships and commercial outcomes generated through ATE26.
ATE26 is being delivered in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission and is expected to inject A$13.6 million (US$9 million) into the local economy.
Scoot is set to strengthen its position as a leading foreign carrier serving Indonesia with the launch of a new thrice-weekly Singapore-Pontianak service in June.
The capital of West Kalimantan will become the airline’s 17th destination in the country, marking a milestone in its regional expansion.
Chan said Scoot will be the largest foreign airline serving the most international distinct destinations in Indonesia
Speaking at a media roundtable session in Jakarta last week, Calvin Chan, Scoot chief commercial officer, said the new route will be operated by the airline’s recently inducted Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. With a capacity of 112 seats, the regional jet has been selected to serve the Pontianak market, which Scoot identifies as having potential across business, leisure and religious travel segments.
Alongside the Pontianak launch, Scoot will also ramp up frequencies across its Indonesian network.
Starting in June, flights to Jakarta and Bali will increase to five times daily. Services to Manado will rise from six times weekly to daily, while Lombok will increase from four to 10 weekly flights.
By June 29, Scoot will operate 150 weekly flights across Indonesia, representing a 22 per cent increase in capacity.
In the 2025-26 financial year ending March, passenger traffic to and from Indonesia grew by 25 per cent year-on-year, supported by a 24 per cent increase in capacity.
“We will be the largest foreign airline serving the most international distinct destinations in Indonesia,” Chan said, adding that many of these routes, including Pontianak, were previously unserved from Singapore.
Indonesia is currently the largest contributor to Scoot’s network capacity in both seat count and frequency.
Chan highlighted the role of the Embraer E190-E2 regional jets in supporting expansion. With a 112-seat capacity, the aircraft enable the airline to serve secondary cities where demand is thinner, such as Pontianak.
“This allows us to unlock new points in our network while better matching demand with capacity,” Chan He noted, adding that the airline would continue to develop the route and market, promote the service, and work with trade and travel partners, with the aim of increasing frequency or deploying larger aircraft over time.
He shared that the approach has already been applied in destinations such as Labuan Bajo, which launched with two weekly flights in December 2025 and will increase to three by June.
The airline aims to provide seamless transit through Singapore to the wider SIA network, supporting trade, tourism and economic activity.
Scoot’s global network spans 85 destinations across 18 countries, with more than half of its routes within South-east Asia. “We serve a mix of short, medium, and longhaul routes,” Chan said.
The media roundtable was held in conjunction with Chan’s visit to Jakarta to launch a campaign in Indonesia titled Sambal si Petualang (The Adventurous Sambal). Recognising that many Indonesians consider a meal incomplete without sambal, the campaign allows travellers to bring a “taste of home” on international trips.
Scoot partnered with Jakarta-based visual artist Martcellia Liunic (Liunic) to design three limited-edition travel accessories, including zipper pouches designed to carry packaged sambal.
The dual-city PATA Annual Summit (PAS) 2026 kicks off this week in Pohang and Gyeongju, cities that are part of South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province, with a focus on how destinations and businesses can transform to thrive in a time of constant, unpredictable changes.
PAS 2026 is co-hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Gyeongsangbuk-do Province; the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang; and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization.
PATA Annual Summit 2026 brings together industry leaders to discuss resilience and future growth
It started yesterday with a Youth Symposium and several internal meetings, including the Industry and Education Roundtables, as well as networking opportunities.
A conference programme on May 12 and 13 will be aligned with PAS 2026’s theme, Navigating Towards a Resilient Future, and features a line-up of industry leaders.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid will reflect on his association’s legacy and set the tone for the summit’s agenda; Shijun Li, executive director of UN Tourism, will examine what resilience means for tourism in an era of accelerating change; Gloria Guevara, president & CEO of WTTC, will discuss current challenges and their impact on tourism now and into the future; and David Mann, chief economist, Mastercard Economics Institute, will detail the impact macroeconomic forces have on travel and tourism.
Besides leadership keynotes, the conference programme also offers several deep-dive panel sessions, where a range of topics – from sustainable tourism management to future-proofing the industry – will be discussed.
Commenting on the programme, Noor said PAS 2026 “carries special significance” as it coincides with PATA’s 75th anniversary and offers “an opportunity not only to reflect on PATA’s history, but to learn from it – so we can remain relevant in the years ahead”.
Ahead of the conference, PAS 2026 also held the PATA Executive Board & Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner on May 11 at Pohang’s Lahan Hotel, during which five distinguished leaders in the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism industry were honoured with the Awards of Merit, Life Membership, and the Chairman’s Award.
PATA Life Membership was granted to SanJeet, director, DDP Publications, and Suman Pandey, group chairman, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure. As PATA’s highest individual honour, the award serves to recognise individuals for their leadership and dedication to PATA.
Ben Montgomery, corporate ambassador, Centara Hotels & Resorts, and Judy Torres, deputy managing director, Marianas Visitors Authority, received the PATA Awards of Merit for their consistent contributions to PATA and the PATA chapter network over the years.
Kornchalee Tantimongkonsakul, corporate affairs, PATA, was presented with the PATA Chairman’s Award in recognition of the exceptional behind-the-scenes support she has provided to the chair during his tenure, as well as her commitment, professionalism and dedicated service to the association.
“Each of these changemakers has helped shape the association through their leadership, integrity, and commitment to advancing our community, playing an important role in PATA’s continued growth and relevance today,” remarked Noor.
Blacklane and Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) have teamed up to introduce combined travel and hospitality benefits for customers, linking chauffeur services with hotel loyalty rewards.
The collaboration connects Blacklane’s chauffeur network, available in more than 500 cities, with GHA Discovery, the alliance’s loyalty programme covering over 1,000 properties worldwide. Benefits will be available from May 8, 2026.
Blacklane and GHA introduce joint benefits linking chauffeur services with hotel loyalty rewards
Under the arrangement, GHA Discovery members will receive added value when booking Blacklane services, including access to selected rewards and vouchers. In turn, Blacklane customers will be able to accelerate their status within the GHA Discovery programme and earn Discovery Dollars (D$), which can be redeemed across participating hotels and selected dining outlets.
The partnership extends the travel experience beyond hotel stays, integrating transport and accommodation benefits within a single framework. It also reflects a broader trend of linking mobility services with hospitality programmes to enhance end-to-end travel planning.
GHA Discovery currently spans more than 50 hotel brands across 100 countries, while Blacklane provides chauffeur-driven services for airport transfers, city travel and longer-distance journeys.
Together, the two organisations aim to offer a more connected experience across different stages of travel, from ground transport to accommodation and on-property services.
“Our collaboration is about more than member rewards; it is a true partnership to enhance luxury travel worldwide. Together, GHA and Blacklane are ensuring international travellers have access to benefits that enhance how they arrive at some of the world’s best luxury hotels and resorts,” said Jens Wohltorf, founder and CEO, Blacklane.
“Partnering with Blacklane extends our hospitality beyond the hotel stay, enriching the entire travel experience. Our members value thoughtful details that create memorable journeys, and Blacklane shares this philosophy. We look forward to adding further benefits as this exciting collaboration grows,” added Christopher Hartley, CEO, GHA.
City Express by Marriott has opened its first properties in Asia-Pacific, with two hotels launching in Osaka, Japan. City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya and City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South mark the brand’s entry into the region outside China.
The dual opening introduces the midscale brand to a key urban market, as Marriott International continues to expand its presence in the segment. Osaka’s position as a major tourism and business hub supports demand for accessible, well-connected accommodation.
City Express by Marriott debuts in Asia-Pacific with two hotel openings in Osaka, Japan
The two properties offer a combined 243 guestrooms, with 100 rooms at Shin-Imamiya and 143 at Osaka Namba South. Both hotels are designed to provide value-driven stays, with features including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, daily breakfast and flexible workspaces.
Located in Minami, City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya sits next to Shin-Imamiya Station, offering connections via the JR Osaka Loop Line, Nankai Main Line and Osaka Metro. Nearby attractions include Tsutenkaku Tower, Tennoji Zoo and Kuromon Market, with central districts such as Namba and Shinsaibashi within a short travel time.
City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South is situated in Nishinari-ku, adjacent to Hanazonochō Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line. The hotel provides access to areas including Tennoji, Namba and Dotonbori, as well as connections to Kansai International Airport via the Nankai Line.
The openings form part of Marriott International’s broader strategy to grow its midscale portfolio in Asia-Pacific. Both properties are operated by Shin-Imamiya Hospitality G.K. under a franchise agreement.
Yuji Tanaka, market vice president for Japan and Guam, Marriott International, said: “Osaka is one of the country’s most culturally rich and dynamic cities, and these two hotels provide convenient gateways for both domestic and international travellers to experience its unique energy.”
Cristiano Rinaldi, chief lodging product and services officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, added: “City Express by Marriott brings a compelling value proposition that resonates with today’s travellers – combining efficiency, comfort, and accessibility in vibrant urban destinations. We are confident the brand will appeal to guests seeking smart, reliable stays that allow them to relax, recharge, and get ready for whatever comes next.”
World Expeditions has enhanced its South-east Asia cycling portfolio with a new range of supported journeys across Vietnam, as demand for active travel in the region continues to grow.
The programme includes four itineraries: the 17-day Vietnam Cycle: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the 13-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hue Cycle by e-bike, the 10-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An Cycle, and the five-day Mai Chau to Pu Luong Cycle. Routes cover coastal, rural and mountainous areas, with a focus on quieter roads.
The new Vietnam itineraries range from five to 17 days, with e-bike options and guaranteed departures for 2026
All departures are fully supported by local crews, including guides, mechanics and drivers, with luggage transfers and accommodation included. Group sizes are capped at 16 guests. E-bikes are available on all itineraries.
World Expeditions said the new range is designed to broaden appeal, with guaranteed departures and options suited to both experienced cyclists and those new to active travel.
He has led the Asia-Pacific region since March 2025, most recently driving a refreshed strategy across product, pricing and marketing, including new flight-inclusive offerings and value-led initiatives.
He joins from Accor, where he led network growth across the Pacific, specialising in asset-light management and franchise agreements.
