Gyeongju to Host PATA Annual General Meeting After APEC, Continuing Its Status as a Global Tourism City

Over 500 Tourism Professionals from 35 Countries to Attend
Discussing the Future of Sustainable Tourism, AI Tourism, and Heritage Tourism
Policy Forum and Main Conference to Be Held at Gyeongju HICO

Following the successful hosting of the 2025 APEC Summit, the City of Gyeongju will once again highlight its status as a global cultural tourism city by hosting the 2026 Asia Pacific Tourism Association (PATA) Annual General Meeting, a leading international tourism event representing the Asia-Pacific region.

The City of Gyeongju announced that it will hold the 2026 PATA Annual General Meeting at the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO) on May 12.

Official promotional image for the 2026 Annual Conference of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (PATA) to be held in Gyeongju and Pohang. Provided by Gyeongju City.

This event is an international tourism conference jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the City of Gyeongju, and the City of Pohang, and co-organized by the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (PATA) and the Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization.

More than 500 participants, including representatives from government tourism agencies, international organizations, the tourism industry, and academia from 35 countries around the world, will attend the event to discuss the future direction of the global tourism industry.

PATA is the leading international tourism organization in the Asia-Pacific region, established in 1951, with about 800 member institutions from 88 countries currently participating.

With this year's event in Gyeongju and Pohang, South Korea will host the PATA Annual General Meeting for the sixth time, following previous meetings in Seoul, Jeju, Gangneung, and other cities.

The official program of this year's Annual General Meeting began on May 11 at the Lahan Hotel in Pohang, starting with a youth symposium, industry and education roundtables, the PATA Board of Directors meeting, and a welcome dinner for the opening ceremony.

On May 12, at Gyeongju HICO, the PATA Annual General Meeting will continue, along with a policy forum, main conference, and press conference.

This year's meeting is held under the theme "Navigating Towards a Resilient Future."

Key topics include AI and digital tourism, ESG-based sustainable tourism, cultural heritage tourism strategies, and global tourism cooperation.

In particular, various sessions will explore new directions for responding to the rapidly changing international tourism environment, covering subjects such as post-APEC era sustainable tourism governance, the future of AI and tourism, and global heritage tourism.

During the event, the City of Gyeongju will also operate a variety of programs allowing participants to experience the region's history, culture, and tourism content firsthand.

The gala dinner at Gyeongju Expo Grand Park will feature traditional cultural performances and a fashion show by renowned masters of Hanbok, Korea's traditional attire.

Additionally, guests can participate in K-culture experiences such as Tuho, Ttakjichigi, Jegichagi, traditional tea ceremonies, and Korean cuisine workshops.

Furthermore, tour programs will be offered to promote Gyeongju's unique cultural tourism appeal, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Yangdong Village, as well as popular local destinations like Hwangridan-gil.

The City of Gyeongju has systematically prepared for the event by leveraging its experience and infrastructure developed through hosting the APEC Summit, conducting working-level consultations with the PATA Secretariat, on-site inspections, and signing work agreements.

Choi Hyukjun, acting mayor of Gyeongju, stated, "This PATA Annual General Meeting is an important opportunity to continue Gyeongju's international prominence following APEC. We will do our utmost to expand the global tourism network and further invigorate the tourism and MICE industries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.