BANGKOK – Another major industry event has been called off as a precaution against the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The PATA Annual Summit 2020 in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, from Mar 31 - Apr 3 will no longer take place this year, CEO Dr Mario Hardy said in a message to PATA members.
“The safety and well-being of our members, industry colleagues and local communities is fundamental in our mission in acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.
“With this in mind, we have come to this tremendously difficult decision,” Mr Hardy said.
The move to cancel the PATA Summit follows the decision to cancel this week’s ITB Berlin trade show in Germany.
PATA said it had been “closely monitoring this continually developing situation and believe that it was best that we made this decision in a clear and timely manner”.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA) has agreed to host the PATA Annual Summit 2021.
Summit delegates who have paid the registration fee or purchased tickets for the PATA Foundation Charity Dinner, have the option of transferring the registration fee and/or the Charity Dinner ticket fee to the PATA Annual Summit 2021 or receive a full refund.
PATA urged all industry stakeholders to “remain calm but stay vigilant and take proper precautions as necessary”.
“Most importantly, we ask that you get your information from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and your local authorities,” PATA added.