- Annual Summit to be held in Gyeongju and Pohang from May 11 to 13, with around 500 tourism officials and experts from 35 countries in attendance

- Plenary sessions and various side events to be held under the theme “Navigating Towards a Resilient Future”

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister CHAE Hwi-young, MCST), together with Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Gyeongju City, and Pohang City, will host the “PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026)” from May 11 (Monday) to 13 (Wednesday) at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) and Lahan Hotel Pohang. Second Vice Minister KIM Dae-hyun of MCST will visit the summit venue to engage with participants on the future of Asia-Pacific tourism.

As a follow-up international event to the successful 2025 APEC Summit held in Gyeongju last year, the summit is expected to serve as a significant milestone reaffirming Gyeongsangbuk-do Province’s position as a global hub for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and international tourism.

In particular, the participation of around 500 key tourism decision-makers and experts from 35 countries[1] will provide a significant opportunity to expand the reach of Korean tourism beyond the capital area into regional destinations. Participants will experience the appeal of “uniquely Korean regional tourism resources,” including the historical heritage of Gyeongju, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the dynamic future industries and marine tourism of Pohang.

Knowledge Exchange among Next-Generation Tourism Talent and Industry Experts, Plenary Sessions, and Korean Cultural Experiences

On May 11, Lahan Hotel Pohang will host the opening ceremony, a youth symposium, and meetings across industry and education sectors under the theme “Navigating Towards a Resilient Future,” marking PATA’s 75th anniversary. These programs will provide a platform for knowledge exchange between next-generation tourism talent and industry experts. From May 12, the program will move to Gyeongju HICO, where the plenary sessions will continue through May 13. Alongside key PATA meetings, including the Annual General Meeting and Chapter Meeting, various breakout sessions will address current issues such as “Sustainable Tourism Governance in a Post-APEC Landscape” and “AI and the Future of Tourism: From Insight to Impact.” A wide range of side events offering Korean cultural experiences will also be available. On May 12, a gala dinner and cultural performance will be held at Gyeongju Expo Grand Park. In addition, participants will be offered immersive local cultural experiences before and after the summit, including tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, as well as hands-on activities such as making flower-shaped dasik (traditional Korean tea confectionery) and mother-of-pearl hand mirrors.

Vice Minister KIM stated, “It is deeply meaningful to once again welcome tourism experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to Gyeongju, where the successful 2025 APEC Summit was held last year.” He added, “I hope this summit will help showcase the unique tourism appeal of Korea’s regions, rooted in our culture and industrial heritage, while contributing to the development of the tourism industry and the revitalization of local economies.”