The event brought together representatives from tourism authorities, international organisations and businesses to discuss emerging trends, challenges and long-term strategies for the tourism sector amid global uncertainty.
The Vietnamese delegation, led by Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, attended the summit and related activities, including the PATA Board meeting in observer capacity.
The delegation also took part in policy dialogues, thematic discussions, the PATA Awards ceremony, industry forums and bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening international tourism cooperation and sharing development experience.
Opening the summit, PATA Chief Executive Officer Noor Ahmad Hamid highlighted the association’s 75th anniversary, describing the event as an opportunity not only to reflect on PATA’s development journey but also to shape strategic priorities for the years ahead.
He said resilience had become a shared challenge for the global tourism industry, requiring greater flexibility, closer cooperation and stronger leadership from both governments and businesses.
Executive Director of UN Tourism Shijun Liu outlined the strategic context of this year’s summit, stressing that resilience in tourism now extends beyond post-crisis recovery.
“In a rapidly changing world shaped by geopolitical tensions, sustainability challenges, technological advances and shifting traveller behaviour, destinations and tourism organisations must focus on long-term adaptability and comprehensive transformation,” he said.
Meanwhile, World Travel & Tourism Council President and Chief Executive Officer Gloria Guevara discussed the impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East on international travel demand, air connectivity and regional economic recovery.
She also presented the council’s latest forecasts, highlighting tourism resilience and innovation as key drivers of future growth.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Vietnamese delegation met tourism authorities, businesses, associations and media representatives from several countries to promote the upcoming ITE HCMC international travel expo, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City in August 2026.
