PATA honours top tourism professionals

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) celebrated during the PATA Annual Summit 2024 in Macau, China, the contributions of three tourism professionals and industry leaders whose efforts, skills and expertise have contributed to the betterment of the association, and contributed to the overall development of Asia Pacific tourism and beyond.

The PATA Life Membership was awarded to Darren Ng, Managing Director, TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd. As the association’s highest individual honour, the award recognise leadership, and dedication to PATA.

Ng has held prominent positions in various committees and associations in the travel and tourism industry. He served as the Chairman of the PATA Singapore Chapter from 2008 to 2016 and is currently an Advisor to the Chapter. Mr Ng has also been a council and advisory member of PATA, serving as an Industry Council Member, Proxy Member, and Board Member between 1990 and 2023. Currently, he holds a position on the Supervisory Board of PATA.

Aside from his contributions to PATA, Ng has made significant contributions to TTG Asia Media’s growth and success.

PATA Award of Merit was presented to Elizabeth M Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter. The award is reserved for individuals who have consistently contributed to PATA and the PATA chapter network over an extended period of time.

Chin has played a pivotal role in the success of the PATA New York Chapter and supported numerous workings of the association as a whole. She began her professional journey as a corporate auditor, followed by over 25 years of diverse experiences across various industries, ranging from food service to entertainment.

In 1986, Chin founded and has since served as the owner of ECI Travel World, providing travel experiences tailored to exploring spectacular destinations worldwide.

PATA Chairman’s Award was conferred on Mayur Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, acknowledging support, loyalty and dedication.

Patel is responsible for business development and leading the sales organisation in the region. Prior to joining OAG, he was Head of Regional Sales, ASPAC, Middle East and North Africa at Amadeus where he was responsible for the Travel Intelligence business. Patel spent over seven years at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in a variety of roles focussed on aviation data solutions and services.

“PATA congratulates all four individuals on this sincere acknowledgement of their passion and leadership in ensuring the responsible development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific and beyond,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

“With their guidance, the Association continues to grow and serve its purpose in supporting the industry. Their tireless efforts should inspire all of us as fellow tourism professionals to fulfil our roles in driving tourism forward.”

The association also recognised the appointment of Soon-Hwa Wong as PATA Ambassador for Greater China.

Soon Hwa shall serve as a representative of PATA in the region. The ambassador will work towards achieving the goals of PATA, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry, and enhancing the presence of PATA in Greater China.

With over 40 years of experience in Asia Pacific travel and tourism, Soon Hwa is a seasoned and versatile senior business leader who can help companies navigate the complex and dynamic market opportunities in the region.

As the CEO of AsiaChina Pte Ltd, he leverages his extensive network of high-level contacts and deep understanding of the two-way tourism and trade flows between Asia Pacific and China to provide effective and tailored solutions for clients and partners across various sectors, such as destination management, aviation, car rental, urban mobility, travel agency, and startup.

The awards presentation was hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office and SJM Resorts, S.A. – TradeArabia News Service