Join us at the PATA Annual Summit 2017, a 4-day event that brings together thought leaders and industry professionals from around the world under the theme ‘Disruption. Innovation. Transformation: The Future of Tourism’. The Annual Summit includes a one-day conference and embraces the PATA Annual General Meeting and the PATA Youth Symposium that allows students and young professionals to engage with industry leaders.
As part of the PAS2017 programme in partnership with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will also host the UNWTO/PATA Ministerial Debate which brings together Tourism Ministers and leading industry experts to address thought-provoking issues.
Generously hosted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, PAS 2017 takes place on the tropical island of Sri Lanka in the charming fishing village of Negombo.
The travel industry is constantly evolving. The marketing and media channels required to reach travellers – formerly the purview of the big and well funded – have disrupted, levelling the playing field for even the smallest of operators and destinations. This provides the opportunity for every operator or destination to engage their communities and stakeholders, understand their unique strengths and apply them to attract a specific target audience. Those who embrace technology and content alongside a profound understanding of the new traveller will be rewarded with a disproportionate share of tourism revenue growth.
It is in this spirit that the PAS 2017 Conference and UNWTO/PATA Ministerial Debate together bring travel’s most innovative thinkers and leaders to connect, share and move travel forward. Hear fresh ideas, discover market-changing innovations and learn from industry luminaries on the sharing economy, digital marketing, the future traveller and more. The interactive conference session is powered by Slido.
Undeveloped beach paradises, a startlingly rich cultural heritage, a wide variety of wildlife and adventure experiences, as well as warmly welcoming people and irresistible cuisine – but minus the tourist hordes – makes Sri Lanka a tropical utopia for the discerning traveller.
Located close to the Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo is a seafood lover’s realm with fresh catches available at a diverse selection of restaurant and bars. Alternatively, take a boat ride along the Dutch canals or into the ocean to catch a glimpse of the fishing boats. Negombo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and European influences still remain.
(PATA)
