The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) says the next PATA Annual Summit will be held live and in-person in 2022 at Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. The four-day Summit will be hosted in various locations across the Emirate.

For the first time ever, PATA will hold its annual summit in West Asia as the not-for-profit travel trade association decides to hold the meeting in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. The association serves government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region.

The four-day event will lead a global forum on sustainable growth and the value and quality of tourism today, bringing together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are invested in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.

The PATA Annual Summit 2022 will be hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). The event comprises conference elements, experiential networking sessions, the PATA Executive Board and Board Meeting, and Annual General Meeting. The event will take place across multiple locations across the Emirate, including the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Exploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, the programme will provide a platform for PATA’s public and private sector members and partners to convene on critical industry topics, including destination recovery strategies, sustainability and resilience, human capital development and innovation.

Additionally, PATA delegates will visit Expo 2020 that is currently on in Dubai to gain insight on the sustainability, innovation and design best practices around the world, including PATA Destination Members’ pavilions.

“We are honoured to be working with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in bringing together our industry network to discuss opportunities and best practices to enable recovery and sustainable growth,” says, PATA Ceo Liz Ortiguera. “Next year’s event programme, under the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, will take on a format that is more experiential, will maximise in-person connections and engage an appreciation for this beautiful destination plus the unique opportunity to experience Expo 2020. I invite all of our members, partners, Chapter members and industry colleagues to join us for this long-awaited opportunity.”

“We are delighted to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association Summit for the first time in 2022. We look forward to productive talks and insights from industry leaders on critical topics shaping the industry today. As we continue to navigate through an ever-changing tourism landscape, it is even more critical to facilitate these important discussions and share key learnings. Being selected as the host destination is a testament to our destination recovery and resilience, sustainable initiatives and experience in hosting world-class events,” adds Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience to the attendees of the summit.