BANGKOK –The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today announced that the PATA Annual Summit (PAS) 2021 will take place online from April 27-29.

The three-day virtual event, organised with the support of Platinum Sponsor, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), will bring together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged with the Asia Pacific region.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah and aims to develop the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “Ras Al Khaimah has strongly committed to supporting the revitalization of the travel and tourism industry in a more resilient, responsible and sustainable manner by not only supporting the virtual event this year, but also by agreeing to host the Annual Summit in 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). That is why we are honoured to be working with RAKTDA in bringing together our public and private sector members and partners to discuss the challenges and issues facing our industry, and look forward to 2022 where we can welcome our members and industry colleagues to this amazing destination.”

One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The Emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “Strengthening the Emirate’s MICE sector by showcasing our world class resorts, authentic Arabian hospitality, beautiful pristine beaches and the abundance of cultural and outdoor adventure experiences, has always been at the forefront of our wider destination strategy. This joint venture with PATA gives us a chance to demonstrate Ras Al Khaimah’s breadth of offer to key industry leaders and delegates from around the world. We are immensely proud to be the first city worldwide and the first Emirate to be certified as a ‘Safe Destination’ by the WTTC and Bureau Veritas, the global leader in testing, inspection and certification, and believe this will go a long way to promoting confidence in the safety of Ras Al Khaimah amongst our visitors.”

The PATA Annual Summit embraces a global forum for enhancing the sustainable growth, value and quality of tourism and includes a half-day conference, the PATA Annual General Meeting and the PATA Youth Symposium that allows students and young tourism professionals that opportunity to engage with senior industry leaders.

As part of the event programme, the Association will also once again organise the PATA Leaders Debate which brings together senior executives from both the public and private sector to address thought-provoking issues currently affecting the industry.

Registration for Virtual PAS 2021 is complimentary for all PATA members, Chapter members and non-members.

For more information about the event including sponsorship opportunities and registration, please email events@PATA.org or register your interest on the event page.