The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid as its Chief Executive Officer, effective from October 1, 2023.
This three-year term signifies a transformative phase for PATA, a leading industry association championing responsible tourism in the Pacific Asia region.
Hailing from Malaysia, Noor, aged 60, boasts an impressive 35-year tenure in the Travel & Tourism sector. His expertise is particularly notable in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, where he has dedicated the last 13 years.
PATA Chairman, Peter Semone, expressed his enthusiasm about Noor’s appointment, stating, “Noor’s profound experience in association management and his intricate understanding of the Asia Pacific region position him as the perfect leader for PATA during these transformative times.” Semone further emphasized the unanimous support of the Executive Board for Noor and their collective vision for a resilient and sustainable travel and tourism industry.
Reflecting on his new role, Noor said, “I am profoundly honored by this opportunity and am deeply grateful to the PATA Chairman and Executive Board. As the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism sector witnesses a quicker-than-expected recovery, it’s imperative to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities. PATA’s rich legacy and collective strength make it a beacon of stability and sustainability in this dynamic landscape.”
Noor’s first official engagement as CEO will be at the esteemed PATA Travel Mart from October 4 to 6 in New Delhi, India. He is eager to engage with the global travel and tourism community during this event.
Noor’s illustrious career began with a diploma in Tourism Administration from MARA Technological University, Malaysia. He has held pivotal roles in the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB). His contributions to the industry have been recognized globally, with accolades like the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders award in 2022 and the China MICE Leaders Award in 2018.