BANGKOK, September 5, 2024 — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is excited to announce that the PATA Annual Summit 2025 will be held in Istanbul, Türkiye, in March 2025. This decision was confirmed at the recent PATA board meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 30, 2024.
Istanbul, strategically located along the Bosphorus Strait, is renowned for its rich history and architectural marvels, including the Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, and the Grand Bazaar—one of the most famous markets globally. As a major hub in Türkiye, which welcomed 56.7 million international visitors in 2023 [TGA, 2024], Istanbul is central to one of the world’s most rapidly growing tourism destinations.
Türkiye is committed to promoting safe and sustainable tourism practices, including certification programs for accommodation facilities to ensure high standards and continuous improvement. Istanbul’s vibrant cultural scene and booming economy make it a prime location for groundbreaking discussions on the future of tourism.
PATA CEO expressed enthusiasm about the summit, stating, “We are honored to bring the PATA Annual Summit 2025 to a city that bridges two continents—Asia and Europe. This event is crucial for the travel and tourism industry as we work towards a resilient, responsible, and innovative future in a sustainable way. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency for hosting this summit with the support of Turkish Airlines. I look forward to welcoming all members and industry stakeholders to Istanbul next year.”
İsmail Bütün, General Manager of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, remarked, “We are thrilled to host PATA’s 2025 Annual Summit in Istanbul. The Asia-Pacific region is a key growth market for us, and PATA represents a valuable network of hospitality, aviation, and travel industry partners. We eagerly anticipate showcasing Turkish hospitality to PATA’s esteemed members.”
Turkish Airlines has been confirmed as the Official Airline Partner for the summit. Ahmet Olmuştur, Chief Commercial Officer of Turkish Airlines, commented, “As Türkiye’s flag carrier, we are committed to supporting initiatives that highlight our country’s numerous attractions and potential. The PATA Annual Summit 2025 will bring together tourism and travel professionals from the Asia-Pacific region in Istanbul, fostering a dynamic environment for networking and idea exchange. Turkish Airlines is excited to provide our award-winning service for an exceptional experience in Istanbul.”
The summit will feature plenary and breakout sessions, meetings of the PATA Executive Board, and roundtable discussions. It will serve as a platform for PATA’s members, global partners, and youth chapters to tackle industry challenges and opportunities, aiming for responsible and sustainable growth in tourism.
More details about PATA Annual Summit 2025 will be announced in the near future.
