Photo: L/R and Front/Back: Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Seha Şenol, Corporate & Cultural Events Manager, TGA; Mehmethan Kelkit, Corporate & Cultural Events Director, TGA; Luzi Matzig, Executive Board member, PATA; Jae Pil Sho, Editor & Publisher, TRAVEL PRESS-Korea; Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Chaewan Im, Director, Gyeongsangbuk-do Tourism Policy Division; Ozan Ortaç, Corporate Communications Director, International Markets, TGA; Lee Dongup, Chairperson, Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural & Environmental Committee; Suman Pandey, Vice-Chair, PATA; Kim Namil, President, Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture & Tourism Organization; Henry Oh, Board member, PATA; and the Korean Delegation at the official handover ceremony during PATA Annual Summit 2025.
(IN SHORT) PATA has announced that the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026) will be co-hosted by the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Korea, from May 11-13, 2026. This marks the first time in PATA history that two cities will co-host the event. The Summit aims to be a platform for sustainability, innovation, and connections. Gyeongsangbuk-do, home to rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, will provide the perfect backdrop for the landmark event. PATA is committed to making PAS 2026 a carbon-neutral event, with participants encouraged to contribute to the initiative.
(PRESS RELEASE) BANGKOK, 2025-May-15 — /Travel PR News/ — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce that the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026) will be co-hosted in the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang, located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Korea (ROK). The Summit is scheduled to take place from May 11-13, 2026, in collaboration with the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO). The official handover ceremony took place on April 23, 2025, during the closing of the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) in Istanbul, Türkiye, marking a significant milestone in the event’s legacy.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented, “Gyeongju and Pohang each hold unique importance within Korea’s tourism landscape—Gyeongju, as the cradle of Korea’s ancient civilization, is rich in cultural treasures, while Pohang is a dynamic coastal city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with contemporary landmarks. These cities exemplify the balance of tradition and modernity that today’s travelers seek.”
He continued, “We are particularly excited that, for the first time in PATA’s history, two cities will co-host the Summit, making PAS 2026 a truly historic occasion. This event will mark our 75th anniversary as an association, and we are grateful to our partners in Gyeongsangbuk-do and across Korea for their support. Together, we will create a truly impactful and inspiring Summit experience.”
Korea has previously hosted the PATA Annual Summit five times: in Seoul (1965, 1979, 1994), Jeju (2004), and Gangneung (2018). In 2026, the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang will continue this proud tradition as the next hosts of the prestigious event.
Kim Namil, President of GCTO, stated, “It is a great honor for me to announce Gyeongju and Pohang as the official host cities for PAS 2026. Our vision is to make this Summit not just a tourism event but a platform for sustainability, innovation, and meaningful connections. With PATA’s collaboration, we are confident that our vision will come to life. We look forward to welcoming you to Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea in 2026.”
Lee Dongup, Chairperson of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural & Environmental Committee, added, “We aim to make PAS 2026 the most inclusive and strategic edition yet, building stronger ties with all PATA member nations. This Summit will mark a significant step forward in regional and global tourism collaboration.”
During PAS 2025, Jeong Seonghoon, Manager at GCTO, delivered a detailed presentation about the two cities, showcasing their readiness and tourism capabilities for hosting the upcoming Summit.
About Pohang and Gyeongju
Located in southeastern Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province offers diverse landscapes from forested highlands to coastal areas. The region is steeped in history and cultural heritage, providing visitors with ample opportunities to explore preserved temples, historic villages, and local craftsmanship that reflect ancient Korean traditions. Gyeongju, often called the “museum without walls,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom. Key landmarks include the Royal Tombs, Cheomseongdae (the world’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory), and Gyeongju Tower.
Pohang, the province’s largest city, is known for its coastal beauty and iconic landmarks such as the Hands of Harmony sculpture and Hwanho Park Space Walk, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Registration Details and Carbon Offset Fee
In line with PATA’s commitment to sustainability, PAS 2026 will be a carbon-neutral event. Participants are encouraged to contribute an optional carbon offset fee of USD 10 to support this initiative. Further registration details will be provided in due course.
About GCTO
The Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO) is a provincial public enterprise dedicated to advancing tourism in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. GCTO manages key tourism complexes such as Bomun, Gampo, and Andong, each offering a mix of leisure, cultural, and marine experiences. The organization aims to attract 3 million foreign tourists, collaborate with 23 local governments, and expand the province’s MICE capabilities. GCTO’s future goals include promoting cultural tourism across the Silla, Gaya, and Confucian regions, and developing high-quality tourism products to position Korea as a top global tourism hub.
Media contact:
Tel: +66 (0)2-460-9264
E-mail: communications@PATA.org
SOURCE: Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
