Istanbul is set to host the highly anticipated PATA Annual Summit 2025 from April 21-23, gathering global travel leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.
This prestigious event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration within the travel sector, highlighting Istanbul’s significance as a nexus for international tourism discussions.
Organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in collaboration with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), this year’s summit embraces the theme “Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future.”
Scheduled to take place at the CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel İstanbul, the summit’s theme also highlights Türkiye’s unique duality, where its rich heritage is preserved while progressing toward a sustainable future.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated, “The PATA Annual Summit is a premier thought leadership event that brings together global players in the tourism industry to explore trends and address critical issues shaping the future of tourism. We take pride in uniting a diverse range of stakeholders—from public and private sectors to industry experts and young professionals—to foster meaningful, high-level discussions that drive the evolution of the industry.”
He added, “Set against the backdrop of Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, the summit provides an ideal platform for global dialogue. This dynamic setting underscores the mission to inspire collaboration and innovation in tourism development. Delegates from around the world will have the opportunity to engage in critical conversations, exchange insights, and contribute to the advancement of an ever-evolving global tourism landscape. We look forward to welcoming participants to this landmark event and to collectively shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for the tourism industry.”
Mr. Sinan Seha Türkseven, Acting General Manager of TGA, stated, “We are thrilled to host the PATA Annual Summit 2025, a key event that will bring tourism specialists together to share valuable insights, network, and exchange ideas. We feel that it is quite significant that the focus of this year’s summit will be cultural heritage and sustainability.
This year’s summit will provide a great experience to its attendees, as they will be able to experience our country’s rich cultural heritage. With 21 ancient sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List and 79 on the Tentative List, Türkiye is home to many historical heritage sites. In addition, Türkiye has the second-highest number of items registered on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, with its enlisted 31 cultural values.
This wealth of humanity treasures and natural beauties also gives us the responsibility to safeguard this heritage, and in this context, we are striving to set the world an example as the first country in the world to sign an agreement with the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) to develop a national sustainable tourism program.
We look forward to having the PATA delegates in İstanbul, a city rich in history and culture, to witness these first hand and enjoy their time at the most ideal venue for this global meeting.”
Turkish Airlines, a global leader in connectivity with a network spanning over 120 destinations, is the Official Airline Partner for the event. The airline will offer exclusive flight ticket discounts to delegates attending the event.
In line with the theme Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future, the Summit will feature a comprehensive programme, the PATA Executive Board & Board meetings, PATA Policy Forum, Honours Committee Meeting, PATA Life Members Get-Together, Government, Education & Industry Roundtables, Chapter Meeting, Youth Symposium, Ask the PATA Experts sessions, a one-and-a-half-day conference and plenty of networking opportunities. The PATA Annual General Meeting (AGM), where the Association conducts official business and ratifies election results for the PATA Board and Executive Board members, will be a key element of the event.
Furthermore, PAS 2025 will feature a range of curated destination experiences organised by TGA. Delegates will have the opportunity to take part in an Immersive Off-Site Destination Experience on the first day, the programme offers a refreshing change of scenery from the conference setting. After the Summit, complimentary half-day tours will be available, inviting delegates to explore İstanbul’s rich cultural heritage and iconic attractions, including the Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Topkapı Palace, among others. Self-paying pre- and post-event tours to other destinations in Türkiye, such as Antalya, İzmir and Cappadocia, will also be available. Registration for these programmes are open.
Early bird registration for PAS 2025 is now open and will remain available until February 17, 2025.
The PATA Annual Summit is committed to sustainability and aims to be a carbon-neutral event. As part of this initiative, all attendees are encouraged to make a contribution of USD 10 to offset the event’s carbon footprint. Moreover, PATA encourages delegates to support the D-üzova Wind Project, further contributing to global sustainability efforts.
Additionally, PAS 2025 will feature the Kind Heart CSR Programme, encouraging delegates to contribute to the local community by donating books for children. The collected donations will be distributed to a local beneficiary, which will be announced closer to the event. This initiative reflects PATA’s commitment to making a positive impact on the host destination beyond tourism.
