PATA and Jeju Forge a Landmark Alliance to Elevate the Island’s Position in the Asia Pacific MICE Landscape

(NEWS) CHIANG RAI, Thailand, 2025-Dec-3 — /Travel PR News/ — Jeju Island is set to expand its global tourism footprint following a new Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO). Announced during the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 in Chiang Rai, Thailand, the agreement strengthens cooperation on responsible travel and lays the foundation for a future PATA event to be hosted on the Korean island. The MoU was formalized by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and JTO CEO Koh Seung Chul before an audience of more than 300 tourism professionals.

The agreement carries added significance as Jeju marks its 40th year as a PATA member and continues to build on its reputation as a leader in sustainability and tourism innovation. Jeju has previously received two PATA Gold Awards, and its initiatives in nature conservation, destination stewardship and community-centered tourism have made it a benchmark for responsible development across the Asia Pacific region. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid described the MoU as a milestone moment for both organizations, noting Jeju’s longstanding leadership and its growing global stature as a model for resilient, forward-thinking tourism.

With the Jeju Tourism Organization now overseeing the island’s MICE promotion strategy, the partnership is expected to enhance Jeju’s competitiveness as an international meetings and events hub. JTO President Koh Seung Chul said the agreement positions Jeju to expand its influence beyond East Asia, strengthening its presence across the wider Asia Pacific landscape through new channels of cooperation, knowledge exchange and advocacy.

The MoU outlines shared goals across several areas: advancing responsible tourism, promoting sustainability, supporting cultural preservation, enhancing environmental protection, and ensuring benefits for local communities. It also formalizes opportunities for joint initiatives, including event planning, stakeholder engagement and best-practice sharing. Both organizations expressed their commitment to fostering a tourism environment that aligns with Jeju’s long-term vision for “Value Tourism,” which emphasizes harmony between people, nature and local culture.