126: NY PATA message + Officers Elected + Travel & Adventure Show + NY PATA Reunion + Year of the Dragon + Destination Guangxi + Orthodox Christmas; 126-20240107126:
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| Issue 126, January 7, 2024New York, NYIssue 125, https://conta.cc/3RESI4Gwww.newyorkpata.org |
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Dear Valued Members and Colleagues, On behalf of PATA New York Chapter, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. NY PATA is delighted to announce and congratulate the newly elected officers of the chapter. Kelli Ann Mills has been elected as the Chair, Irene Sino as the Vice-Chair, Julian Banegas as the Treasurer, and Pradip Shrestha as the Secretary. We have full confidence that they will lead the chapter to great success and make valuable contributions. NY PATA would also like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of board members Bill Gardiner, Boris Miketic, John Graham, and Iris Salazar. Their contributions to the chapter are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to their continued involvement and dedication. Furthermore, we are excited to announce that the 2024-2025 Board of Directors has displayed a remarkable level of energy and enthusiasm during their first meeting. Their passion for our organization and its mission is truly inspiring and we are confident that they will lead us to even greater heights, particularly in the rapidly changing digital environment. We are optimistic that their dedication and vision will drive the chapter towards greater success in the coming years. We would like to express our gratitude to those who have already renewed their membership for 2024. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and allows us to continue providing valuable services to our community. For those who have not yet renewed their membership, we kindly remind you that the deadline was on 1/1/2024. Please take a moment to renew your membership for the new year, as we would love to have your continued participation and support. We would like to thank our members for their continued support of NY PATA, and we look forward to working together towards a bright future for our chapter. We wish you all the best for the new year. With best regards, Elizabeth ChinExecutive Director |
| Elected Officers of NY PATA Board |
| CHAIRKelli Ann Mills, Business Development Manager, Northeast, Azamara Cruise Line VICE-CHAIRIrene Sino, President, Panorama Travel TREASURERJulian Banegas, Manager Groups and Operations, NYC Branch Office, Gil Travel and Kenes Tours SECRETARYPradip Shrestha, CEO, Travel Bureau of Nepal INC: Julian Banegas comments,“I am happy to announce that I have accepted the nomination for the Treasurer position of the PATA New York Chapter. Having been elected to my second term on the PATA NY Board of Directors, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue contributing to the growth and development of the chapter in this new role. As Treasurer, I am committed to ensuring that the chapter’s finances are effectively managed and that we continue to make progress towards our objectives. I look forward to working closely with the team to achieve our goals and further strengthen the PATA NY community. Thank you for your continued support, and I am excited about this new chapter in my PATA NY journey.” |
| Travel and Adventure Show |
| Availability is Extremely Limited,Register Today!If you’re a Travel Advisor looking for information on how to sell the hottest destinations, learn about the newest itinerary offerings and boost your revenue in 2024, the FAM-TAS Program at the New York Travel & Adventure Show is a can’t miss event.Saturday, January 27 SELL OUT ALERT: Remaining space is extremely limited and will be capped once capacity is met. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-new-york-travel-adventure-show-tickets-737518496677?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA7t6sBhAiEiwAsaieYpajsfOQM8oxtCP2AalD9N00Bj2ViMrOudAaziQfZiEakzwKyQiopxoC0OgQAvD_BwE |
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| NY PATA Reunion on the 27th at 3pm |
| We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a NY PATA reunion and group photo op at our Javits Center booth on the 27th at 3pm. This is a great opportunity for all NY PATA active members to come together, catch up, and take a memorable group photo. We encourage everyone to mark their calendars and join us for this special event. Don’t miss out on this chance to reconnect with fellow NY PATA members and capture a lasting memory on our website!Extreme lapsed members will not receive further benefits.Active members are members who have paid their 2024 membership fee. |
| Year of the Dragon |
| The Year of the Dragon is considered a lucky year in Chinese culture, and begins on 2/10/2024. The dragon is seen as a symbol of authority, honor, and dignity, and has long represented imperial power. This year is said to bring the ability to harness intelligence, leadership, and creative pursuits. As the Lunar New Year approaches, fashion and food brands are embracing this mythical creature by releasing dragon-themed products. From denim brands like Levi’s to luxury watch brands like Tag Heuer, there is a wide range of options available for those looking to add a touch of the dragon to their wardrobe. Accessories and jewelry collections are also featuring dragon-inspired designs. But it’s not just fashion brands that are getting in on the action. Food products, desserts, and chocolates are also marketing products with the dragon theme, making it easier than ever to celebrate the Lunar New Year in style. Chinese New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Activities2/10/2024 Sat, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PMSara D. Roosevelt Park Track, Sara D. Roosevelt Park. & Canal St New York NY 10002 US, Chrystie StNew York, NY Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & FestivalSat, Feb 24 – Sun, Feb 25ManhattanNew York, NY |
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| Lunar New Year is a globally celebrated event, with two billion people joining in the festivities. While Asia is the epicenter of the celebrations, some of the best festivals can be found in London, New York, and Sydney. The biggest Lunar New Year celebration takes place in London, while the most famous Asian celebration outside of China is in Singapore. Singapore’s celebration of Chinese tradition is the biggest, with the bulk of the festivities occurring along the glowing streets of pre-war shophouses, temples, clan houses, and a phenomenal outdoor food market. If you’re looking to celebrate Lunar New Year in style, these festivals are not to be missed. |
| Spectacular Natural Landscape |
 Destination – Guangxi, ChinaIf you’re seeking a unique travel experience that combines natural beauty with cultural diversity, then Guangxi is the perfect destination for you. Located in southern China, this subtropical region shares its border with Vietnam and is home to 12 ethnic minorities. Guangxi boasts a treasure trove of natural wonders, including the stunning Guilin Karst hills and the ancient Lingqu Canal, both of which are recognized as World Heritage sites. If you’re interested in international trade and commerce, Guangxi is also the permanent venue for the China-ASEAN Expo. Guilin, in particular, is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery. The area’s stone mountains, composed mainly of lime rocks, have been shaped over time by weathering and water erosion into magnificent peaks and karst caves. The Lijiang River, which originates from Mao’er Mountain, flows through Guilin and Yangshuo, covering a total length of 116 kilometers. So why not come and explore the unique landscapes of Guilin, and discover for yourself why it’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re interested in natural beauty, cultural diversity, or both, Guangxi is sure to leave you in awe. |
| Orthodox Christmas on January 7th |
| The Gregorian calendar is the widely used civil calendar internationally and is also referred to as the Western or Christian calendar. It was named after Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it as an improvement to the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar was first introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII and has since become the standard calendar used by most countries around the world. As a result of its Catholic origins, it is often considered a Christian calendar. However, the world’s Orthodox Christians still use the Julian calendar, which means their Christmas Day falls on January 7. May the blessings of hope, peace, and happiness be with you. Happy Orthodox Christmas!! |
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Elizabeth Chin Executive Director Editor-in-Chief Past Chair (2016-2022) NY PATA Life Member PATA New York Chapter elizabethnypata@gmail.com www.newyorkpata.org |