PATA comes to Negombo, Sri Lanka

The Pacific Asia Travel Association will be holding its Annual Summit in Negombo, Sri Lanka in 2017, in recognition of the importance of the country in Asian tourism. The winning bid was submitted by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

Announced formally at the ongoing PATA Travel Mart in Bangalore, India, Sri Lanka was also presented as the latest tourism and MICE destination in Asia. Negombo was chosen out of the four options given – Negombo, the Cultural Triangle, Kandy and Bentota/Beruwala, due to the destination’s rich and colourful history, the proximity to the airport, and the event itself will be held at Jetwing Hotels; the single largest accommodation provider in Negombo.

Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. 

The Annual Summit is a 3-4 day program consisting of the association’s executive and advisory board meetings; annual general meeting; PATA Foundation charity and Gala dinner. The one day conference agenda addressing major issues relevant and impacting travel and tourism business environment and preludes with the PATA Chapter meetings. 

Previously held in exotic locations such as Leshan, China and to be held in Guam next year, the Annual Summit sees travel and hospitality professionals from all over the globe gather together. 

The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, comprising 90 government, state and city tourism bodies, nearly 30 international airlines, airports and cruise lines, 57 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond. 

Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 43 local PATA chapters worldwide. The chapters organise travel industry training and business development events. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing, Sydney, Dubai, London and New York. 

The beginning of the Jetwing group, Jetwing Blue was opened in 1973 with six rooms of a planned fifty – and relaunched in 2011 after a massive re-imagining which saw the expansion of the property to 120 rooms and the largest conferencing facility in the area. Considered the birthplace of Jetwing, Negombo remains the family’s heart with a total of six properties in the destination.

Former PATA Chairman and current Jetwing Chairman, Hiran Cooray welcomed the announcement, stating: “Sri Lanka and Jetwing will welcome the delegates of the PATA Annual Summit with open arms in keeping with our reputation of being the heart and home of Sri Lankan hospitality. Our contribution to South Asian tourism is growing steadily, as our destination is truly unique with plenty to offer everyone. We look forward to a successful Summit, with the participation and support of all stakeholders to further expose Negombo and Sri Lanka as unique destinations.”