The annual PATA Global Insights Conference was once again a resounding success with nearly 200 delegates hearing from high profile speakers representing major international brands such as Boeing, Microsoft and TripAdvisor.

Under the theme ‘R U Future Ready’ and with the support of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and BBC World News, the event took place on September 29 at the SKYCITY Grand Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand.

“This year’s conference programme focused primarily upon the need for the public and private sectors in the travel and tourism industry to prepare for the disruption and innovation that is currently taking place and will take place in the future,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “As a non-profit membership association, PATA continues to work with its partners and members for the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region and this event highlights our commitment to this endeavour.”

The event examined the issues, threats, challenges and opportunities for New Zealand’s tourism sector in line with the Tourism 2025 Plan and beyond, specifically looking at artificial intelligence, aviation, e-commerce, consumer travel trends, cybercrime, destination brand building and media.

The programme also featured a fascinating session with ‘Tomorrow’s Tourism Leaders’. Supported by Auckland University of Technology (AUT), delegates explored the future for tourism through the eyes of AUT PhD students Richard Aquino, Sabrina Seeler and Sarath Munasinghe, and Masters student, Xuan Bach Tran.