PATA Appoints Five New Executive Board Members (August 19, 2026)

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) strengthened its leadership framework with the appointment of five new Executive Board members, announced during PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Kuching, Malaysia. The appointments bring together expertise from destination management, digital travel, tourism research, adventure travel, and international market development.

Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research at the Hawaii Tourism Authority, joins as Secretary/Treasurer, bringing data-driven tourism insights to the association’s strategic direction. Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, APAC at Booking.com, represents the digital travel ecosystem, while Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, adds island destination management experience.

Alhasan Aldabbagh, President, APAC at Saudi Tourism Authority, and Suman Pandey, Group Chairman of Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, have joined as non-voting Executive Board members. Henry Oh, Chairman of PATA, noted: “With the Board now fully constituted, we look forward to drawing on their diverse experience, knowledge and perspectives as we continue to strengthen PATA”.

Industry Significance: With the Executive Board now fully constituted, these appointments signal PATA’s intent to bridge traditional destination marketing with the digital-first reality of modern travel. The inclusion of Booking.com’s leadership and Saudi Tourism Authority’s regional president underscores the association’s focus on technology integration and Middle East-Asia Pacific connectivity.