PATA and Sanya Tourism Board Sign MOU, Strengthening Tropical Islands Tourism Development

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sanya Tourism Board.

It marks the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on the sustainable growth of tourism in Sanya and tropical islands across the Asia Pacific region.

The MOU was ratified by Sanya Tourism Board Director General Albert Yip and PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid during the 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event Media Briefing on August 27, held in conjunction with PATA Travel Mart 2024.

This agreement establishes that both parties will collaborate to enhance cooperation in culture and tourism, engage in comprehensive tourism research in areas like tropical coastal tourism development, international tourism marketing, and sustainable development, boost the appeal of tourism agencies, and consistently strengthen the global presence of Sanya and the broader Hainan region as international tourist destinations.

“On behalf of the Association, I am pleased to solidify our collaboration with Sanya,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

“By joining forces, we can work together to elevate tropical islands and coastal destinations as premier travel hubs. PATA is dedicated to helping these destinations around the world uncover their unique strengths and create more meaningful travel experiences that attract international visitors while preserving their rich cultural heritage and protecting their extraordinary natural resources. Sanya as the most representative tropical coastal city in China, has rich tourism resources and unique geographical advantages, is one of the PATA’s important cooperative partner for future development.

Picture: L/R: Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Albert YIP, Director General, Sanya Tourism Board; and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA

As part of the MOU, both parties have committed to jointly organising the Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya for three consecutive years from 2024 to 2026, with the aim of expanding Sanya’s influence within the global island tourism industry.

Albert YIP, Director General of the Sanya Tourism Board, stated that in the future, Sanya will deepen its cooperation with the PATA and embark on a new chapter of three-year in-depth collaboration. By announcing the initiative of establishing the Tropical Coastal City Tourism Alliance and regularly organizing the Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event, Sanya aims to create a platform where tropical coastal cities worldwide can share experiences, foster interconnectivity, and jointly promote the rejuvenation and prosperity of the tropical coastal city tourism industry. Meanwhile, Sanya will continue to strengthen its international marketing and promotion efforts, striving to tell the captivating story of Sanya to the global tourists.

The 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event, will take place at the China Hyatt Regency Sanya Tianli Bay in Sanya, Hainan, China from September 4-5. Under the theme “The Next Wave: Shaping the Future of Tourism Marketing in Tropical Coastal Cities,” the event will delve into key topics such as innovative international tourism marketing strategies, supporting local communities, and paving the way for sustainable development in tropical coastal cities. The event aims to provide a platform for tropical coastal city mayor and tourism professionals to share best practices while further establishing Sanya as a key inbound international tourism destination in China. This event marks a significant milestone in fostering closer cooperation and joint development among tropical coastal cities.