The annual summit of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is being held in Pohang and Gyeongju through Thursday.
According to North Gyeongsang Province on Wednesday, PATA is a non-profit international tourism organization founded in 1951 with the goal of developing the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region. In Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization are among its members.
North Gyeongsang Province became the sixth region in Korea to successfully host the PATA Annual Summit. It also marked the first joint hosting by two cities in the history of the PATA Annual Summit, presenting a new model for regional linked international conferences.
The summit draws about 500 participants from 35 countries, including government and local government officials as well as industry professionals involved in tourism, to discuss key agendas of the global tourism industry under the theme "Journey Toward a Resilient Future."
On Wednesday evening, a gala dinner, traditional performances and a hanbok fashion show were held around the APEC Economic Exhibition Hall and Gyeongju Tower, offering tourism officials from various countries a broad introduction to Korea's traditional culture.
During the event, various tour programs also allow participants to directly experience North Gyeongsang Province's tourism content, including visits to UNESCO cultural heritage sites and the Pohang Space Walk.
"Hosting the PATA Annual Summit following the APEC Summit demonstrates that North Gyeongsang Province's international standing has risen to a new level," said Hwang Myung-seok, acting governor and administrative vice-governor of North Gyeongsang Province. "We will devote our efforts to reviving the MICE industry and revitalizing tourism."
