Joebert Opulencia, chairman, presented a commemorative plaque to Simone Bassous for her invaluable contributions and dedication in serving as executive director before she retired in December 2021.
In the new decade and new era, NY PATA launched its website and to stay relevant, the digitalization of membership management and communication.
Anniversary Banquet
When it’s ready, the anniversary photo collection will be posted on www.newyorkpata.org
Thank you all for the lovely notes received. We’re so glad you were a part of this momentous occasion.
A very fine evening—well coordinated and amazing turn out.
Your efforts are paying off. And, we are here to support.
Congratulations!
Best regards,
Samuel S
It was a pleasure to be invited to the 60th anniversary celebrations for PATA last evening. It was well-organized and the camaraderie was amazing.
Best regards,
Deborah M
It was the best NY PATA event, and a very nice transition from the old to a new era.
Simone B
Great Night out in NYC Chinatown! For our 60th Anniversary Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Dinner/Event!
THANK YOU for a joyful evening in the House of Joy. It was so nice to see you and my dear friends after a long time. It was a great and meaningful celebration 60th Anniversary in the Year of the Tiger!
The Proclamation reads, “From the streets of Chinatown to the Apollo Theater, New York is immensely proud of its reputation as the nation’s melting pot. I am proud to shine a spotlight on the New York Chapter of Pacific Asia Trave Association (PATA New York), which has helped promote tourism between our city and other nations around the world.
On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, I am proud to recognize PATA New York Chapter for its commitment to re-energizing the tourism industry, emboldening travelers, and building international bridges.”
The New York Office of the Korea Tourism Organization was the host for 2022 Discover Your Korea, a special event where you can experience everything you would on a trip to Korea. One of KTO’s key messages is to emphasize the “experience, spirit and history” that is Korea.
Master of Korean Temple Food and of Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” fame, Ven. Jeong Kwan gave lectures, demonstrations, and samplings of Korean Temple Food.
There was a chance to take pictures while wearing Hanbok, the beautiful traditional Korean clothing as seen in Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jeonju’s Hanok Village.
At Vanderbilt Hall, there was also a AleXa Fan Signing for 80 registered fans.
Cipriani
The evening event at Cipriani was outstanding. The exquisite cultural performances included the drums, fan dance, performance by K-pop star AleXa, and an amazing demonstration of skill by Kukkiwon’s Taekwondo Demonstration Team, who surprised everyone on America’s Got Talent, and surely wowed us too.
K-pop star AleXa is an American dancer, singer and songwriter who has made the K-pop industry proud by winning the NBC music competition ‘American Song Contest. She was the first K-pop idol to participate and even make it to the finals of the American version of ‘Eurovision’ as she represented her home state Oklahoma.
The undeniable impact Jeong Kwan has been affecting the Asian and global food scene is being recognized in America as Temple Food. Her food is for sustenance, not indulgence.
“Taste of Japan in New York” on Japanese cuisine, a discussion on the “richness of fermentation” and menus by Yoshihito Murata, Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, a sushi demonstration by Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa, and a presentation on tourism to Japan by Arnie Weissmann, editor in chief of Travel Weekly was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and JETRO New York, in collaboration with the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). For millennia, Japanese food has centered flavor profiles created by fermentation. In fact, much of Japan’s national cuisine is rooted in a few key ingredients, all fermented: shoyu (or soy), miso, mirin, and sake. Linking these diverse products is a single organism, koji mold (or, Aspergillus oryzae), that feeds on grain—particularly, rice, soy, and barley. Given its foundational position in the flavors of Japan, koji mold is prized as Japan’s “national fungus.”
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida visits “Taste of Japan” at Carnegie Hall Weill Terrace.
Japanese Cuisine by Renowned Chefs
Miso is the ultimate reference point for the flavor sensation known as umami. The paste and the soup have a deep savory flavor, with toasty, funky, salty-sweet richness. This umami flavor forms the base of a lot of everyday Japanese cooking.
Along with raising awareness of kioke shoyu, the seminar presented the wide spectrum of Japanese soy sauce styles generally invisible to American consumers. The all-purpose soy sauce style on American shelves, koikuchi, lands in the middle range of aging time and flavor intensity. However, shiro and usukuchi shoyus are young, subtle, lightly colored soy sauces best used with mildly flavored raw fish or white fried rice; on the other side of the spectrum, richly colored saishikomi and tamari deliver intense, complex flavors.
Amazake has a delicious, sweet flavor and aroma. It’s different than most alcoholic drinks as it has a thicker consistency (almost like porridge).
Tamari is often used as a term for gluten-free soy sauce, Nitto Jozo’s White Tamari is actually all wheat-based.
Destination Queenstown in NYC at Serafina on July 19th
Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world’s first and most famous bungy jumps. There’s bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and jet-boating on the Shotover and Dart rivers. In winter, there’s skiing on the slopes of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
Queenstown sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Renowned for adventure sports, it’s also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns. New Zealand’s South Island is larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has gorgeous coastline, but it is best known for the many mountains and fjords that define its inland.
You can view the list of Queenstown suppliers we had meetings with here
PATA New York Chapter: Announcement of the 2022-2023 Board of Directors
New York, 2nd February,2022- PATA New York Chapter is pleased to announce the winners of the recent online elections for the NY PATA Board of Directors for 2022- 2023.
The successful candidates were Joebert Opulencia, Catherine Heald, Kelly Ann Mills, Irene Sino, John Graham, Julian Banegas, Frank Hryszkanich, and Boris Miketic.
Honorary Board Members are Akbal Setia, vice-president Americas, Tourism Malaysia and Elizabeth Chin, immediate past chair (served three 2-year terms).
Congratulations to our newly elected board members, and our most sincere thanks to all candidates for running and providing our members with such difficult choices! Thank you very much to everyone who voted. Members of NY PATA had elected a new generation of board members to lead the chapter in the new normal. It was a landslide win for the 2022-2023 Board.
CHAIRMAN
Joebert Opulencia – Tour Operator
I established ORIENTOURS in 1986, specializing in leisure and M.I.C.E. groups traveling to Asia & the Pacific, and inbound groups to USA from Turkey. As a pioneering figure in the Travel Industry worldwide, I continued to lead its operations, showing remarkable resilience and adaptability, despite several market challenges that have become the new normal. My success could be attributed to a business philosophy that places a premium on keeping my word.
I’m a frequent buyer at the PATA Travel Marts. I’ve been an exhibitor at NY PATA Trade Shows and have donated door prizes. With my professional resources, I can contribute to our Chapter in the travel recovery with innovation and sponsored events.
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Catherine Heald – Tour Operator
I have been a member of PATA since I co-founded Remote Lands in 2006. I have founded and served as CEO of four technology and travel companies since 1989 in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, San Francisco and New York. After living in Hong Kong from 1987-94, I have traveled all over Asia, the world’s most fascinating continent. I am an Asiaphile who is endlessly curious and continuously seek to understand every facet of Asian culture and lifestyles of Asia. I have devoted my life and career to this massive and complex continent.
At Remote Lands we create unique itineraries with a particular interest in off-the-beaten-path Asia. I consider myself a global executive and would like to think that my international expertise would be valuable to NY PATA.
SECRETARY
Kelli Ann Mills – Cruise
After attending school for travel and tourism, I spent 7 years with Liberty Travel as a travel consultant, owned a store front agency in Henderson, NV, and an internet-based agency in NJ. I also held BDM roles with Travel Counsellors and Hurtigruten before finding my home with Aurora Expeditions.
At Aurora Expeditions, we offer the opportunity to experience Indonesia, and I have exhibited multiple times at NY PATA Trade Shows in the past. I am excited to contribute to our Chapter by being able to bring that same enthusiasm to continue to promote, support and grow the goals of NY PATA.
TREASURER
Irene Sino – Tour Operator
I have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, being the founder of Panorama Travel – one of the most reputable and reliable tour operators in the US located in NYC. With my extensive airline relations experience, I also hold the position of Picasso Travel VP of Airline Relations.
I have extensive experience serving on several executive boards including NY PATA where I served for two years. I can confidently state that I have a broad knowledge and expertise in most of the areas of national and international travel business.
Panorama Travel organizes and conducts a wide range of familiarization trips for travel agents on regular basis. I strongly believe that my out-of-box way of thinking, creative approach to business solutions and meticulous attention to details will be beneficial for New York PATA.
BOARD MEMBER
John C. Graham – Media
I started my travel media career in 1989 with OAG Travel Magazines. At Travel Agent magazine I helped create the Cruise/Tour Expo shows in 1995. I also wrote a bi- monthly column and was Advertising Director for Travel Agent International. I was Executive Publisher at Travel Trade Publications and Trade Shows.
In February 2018, Steve Perillo, CEO of Perillo Tours and I launched Travel World VR. We are the leading producers for travel 360/VR videos and the leading distribution platform. I propose to educate and assist our members on VR production and viewing. I am offering a discount, and I will give free Travel World Virtual Reality headsets to view. As a business leader, I have the knowledge and expertise needed to help NY PATA make sound business choices. VR videos on the Travel World VR app is no longer a luxury. 360/VR for tourism is the future of the travel industry.
BOARD MEMBER
Julian Banegas – Travel Advisor
I started my Journey in the Travel Industry in 1985 with Pan American World Airways and gained experience in tour operations, wholesale, and corporate travel. I am an expert in Jewish Heritage Tours, and also in Air & Product Development. Also, I’ve been with Trafalgar Travel for 15-years as supervisor. I serve as president of the Sociedad Honduras New York Inc.
As a NY PATA member and travel advisor, I’ve gained knowledge on many Asian destinations and discovered a new path of destinations in Asia-Pacific for my clients. I consider our Chapter my extended family. I have a passion for the NY PATA mission and ready to contribute to our Chapter by serving on the Committees and renewing travel trade relations in the post-pandemic era.
BOARD MEMBER
Frank Hryszkanich – Travel Advisor
I have been a travel agent for over twenty years. I’m a host agency and consistently deal with travel supplier reps and a large number of independent travel advisors. I have been doing monthly travel seminars for over fifteen years with my own association called the’ “Association of Home-Based Travel Agents.”
My professional contacts with the cruise industry that participates in my travel agency’s monthly seminars, can be an asset to NY PATA in developing the Cruise category. I have the motivation and ability to enhance the success and growth of our Chapter. I am 100% into learning. I propose to do education, training, and trade shows, which I really enjoy doing.
BOARD MEMBER
Boris Miketic – Travel Advisor
I am the president of Boris Worldwide Travel (a.k.a. Croatia Travel) for 30 years, located in Queens, NY. I have traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, China, and Japan, enjoying the food and culture tremendously. I’ve had good experiences flying on the many carriers to Asia particularly, first class on Hainan Airlines, first-class suite on SQ Singapore Airlines, and apartment-suite with shower on EY Etihad Airways.
I’ve attended the PATA Travel Marts 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and 2018 in Langkawi, Malaysia. In Jakarta, it was an honor to have afternoon tea with the PATA chairman. Meeting and connecting with people seem to be my strength. I will work tirelessly to promote our Chapter and its values, and to increase membership with enthusiasm.
HONORARY BOARD MEMBER
Akbal Setia,
Vice-President Americas – Tourism Malaysia
“Let’s work together for the betterment of PATA NY Chapter.”
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Elizabeth Chin, HLM
NY PATA Going Digital
Technology | Innovation | Relevance | Resilience
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) PATA New York Chapter
Presentation: Wonderland of Nature, Culture & Spirituality
Hosted by NY PATA member, Gunther Goldberg at the State Grill
Chimborazo peak, Ecuador:the closest place to space on Earth.
Pichincha is a volcano rich province of Ecuador located in the northern Sierra region; its capital and largest city is Quito with colonial churches like the gilded Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús and imposing Iglesia de San Francisco. Towering over Quito, the active Pichincha Volcano has trails and a cable car to an overlook. To Quito’s east, Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve has hot springs and the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano.
Chimborazo is a currently inactive stratovolcano in the Cordillera Occidental range of the Andes. Its last known eruption is believed to have occurred around 550 A.D. Chimborazo’s summit is the farthest point on the Earth’s surface from the Earth’s center given that it is located along the planet’s equatorial bulge.
With a peak elevation of 6,263 m (20,548 ft), Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. It is only the 39th highest peak in the Andes. Like Everest, Chimborazo is also known for climbing; its climb demands skill and is often on black ice, so crampons and other high-tech climbing equipment are required.
The province is home to many rose plantations, which make up the bulk of Ecuador’s floriculture industry.
Dr. Juan Pablo Cruz, Rodrigo Benitez & Michael Ordonez
Gunther Goldberg, Elizabeth Chin, and Joebert Opulencia
3 of the 6 lucky draw winners of an exciting land package in Ecuador.
PATA CEO Meets with UNWTO Secretary-General
PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met this week to discuss common initiatives and opportunities to collaborate together in driving the travel recovery and sustainable industry growth. We are confident that our joint, collaborated efforts in areas including innovation, community-based tourism and sustainability can only be stronger together.
As travel recovers, we will get our small businesses restarting/ returning and new ones being spawned.PATA is in active discussions on opportunities to collaborate and expand…
Message from Liz Ortiguera
I’m confident that this is the dawn of a new era for PATA and Asia-Pacific Travel. The future is bright:
As travel recovers, we will get our small businesses restarting/ returning and new ones being spawned. […] PATA is in active discussions on opportunities to collaborate and expand on programs like the informal workers pilot support project and others. Within our member base, we’re creating more opportunities for you to communicate your value, network with industry colleagues and tap into our collective expertise through shared research, webinars and thought leadership articles.
The Rise of the Conscious Traveller – the Economist Impact and Airbnb issued a report recently about the rise of “The Conscious Traveller”. There’s a recognition and appreciation by consumers for more socially conscious travel by the post-pandemic consumer, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. 87% said doing more conscious travel is important to them. 57% said they would factor sustainable tourism practices into their next holiday. PATA has on offer online training on destination resilience and we continue to fully advocate sustainable travel solutions. [..]
And last but not least, let’s not forget that pre-pandemic, Asia-Pacific with its rising economies and some of the most populous countries globally was and will continue to be the growth engine for travel moving into the future. The onus is now on us to steer its continued development into positive and sustainable growth for the next generation.
I’ll end by sharing with you a peek at our new Recovery Dashboard – PATA International Members can get a weekly synopsis of the reopening status and latest news from destinations across our region….
The event, under the theme “Building Back Sustainably through Cultural Heritage and Community-based Tourism”, will celebrate the start of a robust Asia Pacific tourism recovery with an experiential conference program focused on sharing best practices in destination marketing and destination management in the post-pandemic recovery world.
The event offers a unique opportunity for networking, learning, and discovery, consisting of a one-day conference and a one-day destination experience through a technical tour, as well as various hosted social functions.
There are three destinations experiences including a visit to the Chum Chon Tha Hin fishing village to meet the local tribe, Chum Chon Koh Yo where nature meets culture, and Chum Chon Hua Khoa and Old Town to visit the ancient fort and temple.
Barcelona is a modern and cosmopolitan destination, with its own distinctive lifestyle, and a wide variety of cultural activities. Barcelona is a PATA destination member.
Lauren Chase, The Winner At the Barcelona & Catalonia Cultural Forum held at UBS Arena Preview Club in NYC, Lauren Chase, was the winner for roundtrip air to Barcelona with land arrangements to tour Catalonia.
Its top cultural representatives presented future projects and cultural news.
Dine Around Reminder Wednesday, May 25th, 2022
5 pm to 7:30 pm
House of Joy restaurant
28 Pell Street, NYC 10013
10-course banquet-style dinner
Chinese tea
Seating is limited.
Dine Around is FULL
Let’s use this weekend to count our blessings and honor our nation’s heroes on Memorial Day.
Stay safe and well.
Best regards,
New York PATA Board
Elizabeth Chin
Board Member
Immediate Past Chair
Pacific Asia Travel Association,
PATA New York Chapter
Email: newyorkpata@gmail.com
New York PATA Going Digital
Technology | Relevance | Innovation |Resilience
Dedicated to facilitate meaningful partnerships to enhance the value, quality and sustainable growth of travel and tourism to/from and within the Asia Pacific region.
PATA provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 650 member organizations, including 82 government, state and city tourism bodies, 14 international airlines and airports, 71 hospitality organizations and 75 educational institutions, as well as thousands of youth members (YTP) across the world.
Consulate General of Nepal, NY in partnership with PATA New York Chapter
Bishnu Gautam, Acting Consul General, New York
Tourism promotion of beautiful Nepal:
75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Nepal-America and the general relations between two countries in tourism, education, culture etc. and Nepal is open for tourism and tourism in the post-covid-19 situation. Nepali Mahavani Embassy aims to convey the message that Meriki is ready and eager to welcome tourists in Nepal to the American people
In partnership with New York and Pacific Asia Travel Association New York Chapter (PATA-NY) Nepal’s tourism promotion program entitled “Nepal: The Wonderland of Natural, Cultural & Spiritual Beauty” presented in New York on April 29th/Baishakh 26th was concluded. Yesssssssssssss. His Excellency Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Permanent Mission of Nepal in NY, Regional Director of New York Regional Office of US Department of Foreign Affairs, Friend of Nepal, American citizens, scholars, tourism and aerial entrepreneur, Everest and other High Himalayas Rohi, Nepali community’s NRN-New York Chapter President, journalists and other tourism spells and experiences were exchanged. Completed the program.
President of PATA New York Chapter Mr. Joebert Opulencia , Immediate past PATA-NY President Ms Elizabeth Chin, friend in Nepal Dr. Seth Sicroff , Ms. Vanessa O’Brien, US-Nepal Climber Association, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways, I would like to express my gratitude to all including Nepali artists, Media Friends for their support. Hearty thanks to CEO Dr. Dhananjay Regmi for providing video message for the program and Nepal Tourism Board for helping by sending some tourism materials even in the last minute. Pradip Shrestha, Amit Pratap Shah and friends of Nepal Travel Bureau who always support us in promotional tourism and always ready to provide support to the Mahavani Embassy in every way.
Non-residential Nepalese Association-America New York Chapter President representing Nepalese community Ang Tshiring Sherpa , and all participants who presented the program overseas. Kiran Marahatta Heartfelt thanks! With the expectation of your continuous support and support in the future,
—
Bishnu Gautam
Photo courtesy: Thank you so much Mr. Manzoor Hussain, Dunya International TV News
“Nepal: The Wonderland of Natural, Cultural & Spiritual Beauty”
H.E. Ambassador Amrit Rai, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations group photo with Consulate General of Nepal in New York, PATA New York Chapter, Vanessa O’Brien, Dr. Seth Sicroff, Amit Pratap Shah, Ang Tshiring Sherpa, Passang Nima Sherpa, Alp Ozaman of Turkish Airlines, Ivan Druzeta of Qatar Airways, scholars, and media.
Speakers Dr. Sicroff, Sangita Neupane, Ivan Druzeta, Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, Nepal Tourism CEO and Joebert Opulencia.Speakers Vanessa O’Brien, Ang Tshiring Sherpa, Alp Ozaman, H.E. Ambassador Amrit Rai.
It was a pleasure for NY PATA to partner with the Consulate General of Nepal, New York to produce this splendid event with speeches by H.E. Ambassador Amrit Rai, Bishnu Gautam, Amit Pratap Shah, Dr. Seth Sicroff, Ms. Vanessa O’Brien, Ms. Sangita Neupane, Ivan Druzeta, Alp Izaman, Ang Tshiring Sherpa and Passang Nima Sherma.
Best wishes for a Happy Month of May!
PATA New York Board
Elizabeth Chin
Board Member
Immediate Past Chair
Pacific Asia Travel Association
PATA New York Chapter
Email: newyorkpata@gmail.com
New York PATA Going Digital
Technology | Innovation | Relevance | Resilience
Dedicated to facilitate meaningful partnerships to enhance the value, quality and sustainable growth of travel and tourism to/from and within the Asia Pacific region.
PATA provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 650 member organizations, including 82 government, state and city tourism bodies, 14 international airlines and airports, 71 hospitality organizations and 75 educational institutions, as well as thousands of youth members (YTP) across the world.
partnered with the Consulate General of Nepal to celebrate the reopening of Nepal with a program, “Nepal: The Wonderland of Natural, Cultural & Spiritual Beauty”
produced a very successful dinner event for the Consulate General of Nepal,
Board is honored to have accepted 2 invitations for in-person meetings in NYC with PATA CEO, Liz Ortiguera,
NY PATA was represented at WTTC in the Philippines by Joebert Opulencia,
hosted NY PATA exhibitor booth during the 3-day Travel & Adventure Show at Javits Convention Center,
relevant communication with travel industry leaders,
20 crafted digital newsletters (Jan – Apr) delivered to NY PATA members,
Cultural Dine Arounds,
Zoom General Meetings / Zoom Board Meetings,
extended invitation to our travel advisors for an outstanding special event hosted by Melia Hotels International,
created an attractive new exhibitor booth design for NY PATA,
surpassed our first-quarter goal of 175 paid-members for 2022,
first-phase of NY PATA’s website development will be introduced as scheduled in mid-June, and much more.
New York PATA Board
World Travel and Tourism Council
WTTC Delegate, Joebert Opulencia
WTTC’s mission is to raise awareness of the full economic impact of Travel & Tourism, the world’s largest generator of wealth and employment, which accounts for 200 million jobs and over 10 per cent of global GDP.
WTTC 2022 welcome reception was held at Okada, the Entertainment City’s iconic integrated resort. Thousands of industry personalities were present to welcome the first ever “in person” reception after the pandemic. For me, the in-person/virtual event signaled that TOURISM is indeed back and will be stronger than ever. It was great seeing friends in the industry, and a privilege to have joined the table of PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Executives.
Per Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the summit would be a “significant opportunity” for the Philippines to showcase the preparations it has put in place for the country’s eventual reopening to international visitors.
“Tourism has always provided us with endless opportunities. The reopening of our destinations and borders amid the pandemic is crucial to sustaining the livelihood of the millions who depend on travel and tourism. We are looking forward to being your gracious host in Manila as we navigate the next normal in the travel industry,” she said.
The Gala Dinner was well prepared and exhibited Philippine Culture through the various dishes, dances, and dedication of all those involved. It also proved that Filipinos are still top entertainers in Asia (and one of best in the world) through the singers (Bamboo and Martin Nievera) that woo the crowd. And there, the Filipina Beauty, Ms. Venus Raj, not to be forgotten.
KUDOS TO DOT SEC. BERNADETTE ROMULO-PUYAT and TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD COO ANTHONETTE C. VELASCO- ALLONES, and their team, for producing “an event to remember”
Will Saudi Arabia, the next venue of WTTC GLOBAL SUMMIT (Nov 2022), be able to outdo what the Philippines afforded all Delegates.
Joebert Opulencia
ITS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES
The virtual platform is still open until May 20th where you can watch the full live streams from both days alongside on-demand video content including strategic insights sessions and addresses from global leaders.
IN THE NEWS From Members of NY PATA
ETHIOPIA – A historic land full of mystery | GTT’s Africa Report by Samuel Seyoum
JAPAN – Nothing official yet but we heard that they are starting to allow small group tours with fixed itineraries to enter the country first, as early as this month. They are planning to expand the program, probably next month, if infections don’t spread. The tourists need to be vaccinated 3 times. Reported by Aki Hirai.
Just one day after New York’s first-ever Japanese heritage parade took place this past Saturday, the inaugural Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural and Heritage Parade kicked off on Sixth Avenue and West 44th Street at 10:45am. Participants proudly marched north to West 55th Street on Sunday.
“Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrates New Yorkers who contribute to the rich culture that makes New York the greatest city in the world,” Mayor Eric Adams said earlier this week in an official announcement about the to-be annual happening. “As we work to combat a spike in hate crimes, it is important to support and uplift our AAPI brothers and sisters.” According to official New York Police Department statistics, anti-Asian incidents in 2021 alone increased by a whopping 343%.
John Park, founder of the Korean American Community Empowerment Council, in an official statement. “I never dreamed I would one day lead Korean New Yorkers down Sixth Avenue for the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Parade.”
Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie
Tianmen Mountain, located in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, has been called “one of the most beautiful mountains in the world” by many travelers who have been there.
The stunning views including ‘Heaven’s Door’ and the 99 Bends, vertical cliffs, the thrilling cliff-hanging walkway and glass skywalk, and the world’s longest cable car ride, make it unquestionably one of the best mountains to visit in China. Come, climb the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ – 999 steps!
At the direction of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, all pre-arrival testing will not be required for entry into Vietnam. The edict goes into effect on Sunday, 15 May 2022.
All visitors are reminded however to exercise caution and follow appropriate disease prevention measures.
Those who don’t have a negative test result must refrain from making contact with others during the first 24 hours after entry. They will be able to move freely once they test negative after arrival.
Have a wonderful week.
Best regards,
New York PATA Board
Elizabeth Chin
Board Member
Immediate Past Chair
Pacific Asia Travel Association,
PATA New York Chapter
Email: newyorkpata@gmail.com
New York PATA Going Digital
Technology | Relevance | Innovation |Resilience
Dedicated to facilitate meaningful partnerships to enhance the value, quality and sustainable growth of travel and tourism to/from and within the Asia Pacific region.
PATA provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 650 member organizations, including 82 government, state and city tourism bodies, 14 international airlines and airports, 71 hospitality organizations and 75 educational institutions, as well as thousands of youth members (YTP) across the world.
