GSTC will participate in the PATA Annual Summit 2026, which will take place from May 11 to May 13, 2026, in Gyeongju and Pohang, Republic of Korea. The summit will be held under the theme ‘Navigating Towards a Resilient Future’ and will also mark PATA’s 75th anniversary.
GSTC’s participation will reflect the organization’s continued engagement with international tourism stakeholders and with industry platforms that address the future direction of tourism in a rapidly changing global context. As destinations, businesses, and institutions continue to face environmental, social, and economic challenges, forums such as the PATA Annual Summit provide a space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across the tourism sector.
GSTC CEO, Randy Durband, will participate in the event as moderator of the session ‘Heritage-Led Tourism: Preserving Identity in a Global Market’. The session will examine how cultural and heritage assets can contribute to destination resilience, identity, and long-term development in a global tourism context. It will explore how destinations can balance preservation, community value, and global appeal, while considering how authenticity, policy alignment, and community stewardship can help strengthen resilience rather than commodify culture. Mr. Durband will be joined by Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority/State of Hawaii DBEDT, and Hyun Chul Shin, Head of the Glocal Tourism Team, Jeju Tourism Organization, who will participate as panellists.
GSTC will attend the summit with a delegation that will include:
“We are pleased to join PATA in marking its 75th anniversary, an important milestone for an organization that has long played a significant role in bringing together tourism stakeholders across the region and beyond. At a time when the tourism sector continues to navigate complex challenges, moments like this offer a valuable opportunity to reflect on the importance of collaboration, continuity, and shared commitment to a more sustainable future for tourism.” Says Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
The participation of GSTC team members based in the Republic of Korea also reflects the organization’s commitment to the region and its continued engagement with stakeholders on the ground. Their presence will support direct exchange and collaboration with tourism partners and institutions across Asia Pacific.
About PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to advancing a meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy. Guided by its mission to share knowledge, enable networking, and protect tourism economy assets through innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, PATA brings together governments, industry leaders, academia, and communities to drive positive, lasting change. Established in 1951 and headquartered in Bangkok, the Association also has an official office in Beijing.
More information here: www.PATA.org
