Technology | Relevance | Innovation | Resilience

New Board in Full Swing Moving Forward

During its first 4 months, the NY PATA Board has:

• welcomed more than 10 new members,
• 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.

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IN THE NEWS
From Members of NY PATA

ETHIOPIA – A historic land full of mystery | GTT’s Africa Report by Samuel Seyoum

https://legacy.gttglobal.com/GTT/edm/2022/GTT_22-05-01_africa.htm

GTT Airline News | Culinary Journey in Madrid

https://legacy.gttglobal.com/GTT/edm/2022/GTT_22-05-09_WEEKLY.htm

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.

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14615575

AAPI Cultural and Heritage Parade

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.”

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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.