Celebrate World Tourism Day 2026: Asking the Key Questions about AI

 

Celebrate World Tourism Day 2026! This World Tourism Day, we invited 15 experts of various field, from AI and Destination Marketing to Human Capital and Sustainable Tourism, to give us a wholistic view of AI's relationship with this people-centric industry. How should I make my website more AI friendly? How can AI be used for good causes? Is AI a threat to my job? Hear the real, unvarnished answers from these experts as they tackle the most urgent questions facing tourism leaders today. What do you want to learn today? PATA Travel Mart 2027 Super Early-bird PTM 2027 is returning to Macao, China for its landmark 50th edition—the ideal platform to connect with the rapidly expanding Chinese market. Register today to secure your 25% super early-bird discount and save up to $1,925 on your booth space– available until December 31, 2026. As an added benefit, PTM 2026 exhibitors will receive an extra 5% loyalty discount on top of the super early-bird rate. Register now PATA UPDATES EVENT The 20th UN Tourism/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook Join the 20th UN Tourism/PATA Forum to explore how AI, digitalisation, and data shape Asia-Pacific travel. Free for members, academics, and industry practitioners. The event is free of charge. Learn more & register now > PARTNERSHIP PATA Partners with Asia Travel Technology Industry Association PATA and ATTIA will work together on joint events, knowledge sharing, cross-platform communications, and regional policy advocacy to help destination leaders and travel technology providers build a more connected, competitive, and sustainableregional travel. Learn more > MEMBERSHIP Welcome New Members We are delighted to welcome three new members to the PATA Community:  Destigaytions World Media Group  Himalayan Experience Travel  SENI WORLD TRAVEL CO., LTD Get to know them >

INSIGHT Algorithms, Alliances, and Authentic Roots: Key Takeaways from PTM 2026 Discover 3 shifting trends and 2 vital principles reshaping Asia Pacific travel in our two-part PKF 2026 recap series. Learn how AI disruption, evolving consumer behaviour, and community-centred growth are driving the future of regional tourism. Part 1- the trends | Part 2 - the principles PARTNER EVENT Oct 15-17: Global Tourism Economy Forum Macao GTEF26 Macao will examine how tourism builds the conditions for a shared future: connecting economies, sustaining livelihoods and holding open channels of exchange where others have closed. Be a part of the conversation > GOLD AWARDS Destination Marketing Campaign (Asia): Macao Government Tourism Office Blending POP MART characters with Macao’s UNESCO heritage, local flavours, and neighbourhood culture, Macao Government Tourism Office’s “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK” invited visitors to explore the city through themed checkpoints, photo spots, stamp quests, and exclusive experiences.  Check out the award-winning campaign > | Check out other winners > Climate Action Initiative (Destination): Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, Thailand Connecting policy with grassroots action, DASTA's project in the Nan community empowered hotel staff members to form frontline "Green Teams" who turned the initiatives into daily operational habits, integrated local artisans and organic farmers directly into the hotel supply chain, and helped 14 pilot hotels transition into green certified operations through mentorship and established framework. Check out the climate action project > | Check out other winners > PATA MEMBER & CHAPTER UPDATES DESTINATION OCIT Announces Official Launch of Marshall Islands Pocket Guide   The newly launched Marshall Islands Pocket Guide offers travellers a comprehensive online resource to plan and navigate their visits across the Republic. Featuring 136 detailed articles, including a curated list of 101 local activities, the digital guide covers authentic cultural experiences, dining, accommodations, and practical transport logistics. Visitors can use the accessible platform to seamlessly discover local businesses and book memorable island itineraries. Get a pocketful of travel tips > INSIGHT New Research Reveals Travelers Are Two Years Ahead of the Travel Industry on AI   A new study from MMGY Travel Intelligence, Mindtrip, Sabre, and Sojern highlights a growing divide in the travel sector: 75% of travellers plan to use AI for future trip planning, yet only 26% of destination organisations have a formal AI strategy. As tourists increasingly rely on algorithms to discover locations and build itineraries, destinations must adapt. Explore actionable insights for industry leaders, read the full study > SUSTAINABILITY “Steps for Impact 2027” Announced   Khiri Travel and the Khiri Reach Foundation have scheduled their pan-Asian Steps for Impact 2027 charity walkathon for January 30, 2027. The fundraiser will feature 14 events in eight countries, raising funds for grassroots initiatives through walks, corporate sponsorships, and an online travel product auction launching in December 2026. Learn how you and your organisation can get involved > ANNOUNCEMENT Saudi Outbound Launches at WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026   Chameleon Strategies has launched Saudi Outbound, a dedicated marketing agency assisting global destinations in attracting Saudi travellers. Debuting at WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026, the firm highlights that Saudi outbound expenditure reached SAR 110.4 billion in 2025. Advocating for bespoke strategies over generic regional plans, the agency offers strategic development, online training, and market intelligence. Learn more > MORE MEMBER & CHAPTER NEWS

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