The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced the appointment of five additional members to its Executive Board, bringing together senior tourism, travel, technology and destination management professionals from across the Asia Pacific region.

The appointments add broader representation from both the public and private sectors and bring expertise spanning tourism research, digital travel, destination development, island tourism and adventure travel.

The newly elected and appointed members are:

• Ms. Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority, USA, Secretary/Treasurer
• Mr. Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, APAC, Booking.com, Singapore, Executive Board Member
• Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director, Visit Maldives Corporation, Maldives, Executive Board Member
• Mr. Alhasan Aldabbagh, President, APAC, Saudi Tourism Authority, Saudi Arabia, Non-Voting Executive Board Member
• Mr. Suman Pandey, Group Chairman, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, Nepal, Non-Voting Executive Board Member

The new appointments bring perspectives from destinations, tourism organisations, technology companies and travel businesses, supporting PATA’s wider work across the Asia Pacific tourism industry.

“We are delighted to welcome Jennifer, Yang, Ibrahim, Alhasan and Suman to the PATA Executive Board,” said Henry Oh, Chairman, PATA. “With the Board now fully constituted, we look forward to drawing on their diverse experience, knowledge and perspectives as we continue to strengthen PATA and support collaboration across our membership and the wider tourism industry.”

New Expertise Across PATA’s Leadership

As Secretary/Treasurer, Jennifer Chun brings extensive experience in tourism research and destination development through her role with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. She has also been actively involved with PATA through the Association’s programmes and activities.

Yang Li adds expertise from the digital travel sector through his position with Booking.com in Singapore. His experience in technology, digital platforms and the changing travel ecosystem will offer insights as the tourism industry adapts to new consumer behaviour and digital trends.

Representing Visit Maldives Corporation, Ibrahim Shiuree brings experience from one of the Asia Pacific region’s leading island destinations. His perspective will contribute to PATA’s work with destination organisations and highlight the opportunities and challenges facing island tourism economies.

Alhasan Aldabbagh, President, APAC, Saudi Tourism Authority, brings experience in destination development, international tourism and market engagement. His appointment adds another perspective to PATA’s regional representation and strengthens connections between Asia Pacific tourism markets and the wider global travel industry.

Suman Pandey, Group Chairman of Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, has a long association with PATA and has previously held leadership positions within the Association. As a non-voting Executive Board member, he brings continuity and extensive industry knowledge, particularly in adventure and experiential tourism.

PATA Executive Board Members

Following the latest appointments, PATA’s Executive Board comprises:

Chairman: Henry Oh, Chairman, Global Tour Ltd

Vice Chair: Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador, Centara Hotels & Resorts

Secretary/Treasurer: Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority

Executive Board Members:

• Jackson Pek, Chief Corporate & Legal Affairs Officer, Amadeus
• Maria Paz Alberto, President, Ark Travel Express, Inc.
• Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, APAC, Booking.com
• Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
• Dr Sharzede Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board
• Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director, Visit Maldives Corporation
• Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC, Saudi Tourism Authority
• Suman Pandey, Group Chairman, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure

Ex-Officio: Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA

Supporting Tourism Across Asia Pacific

The newly expanded Executive Board will work with PATA Chairman Henry Oh and the Association’s leadership to advance its strategic priorities across the region.

PATA’s work focuses on sharing industry knowledge, creating networking opportunities and supporting the protection of tourism economy assets across the Pacific Asia region. With representatives from destination authorities, hospitality, technology and travel businesses, the new Board brings a wide range of industry perspectives to these priorities.

The appointments also come as destinations and tourism businesses across Asia Pacific continue to navigate changing traveller expectations, digital transformation and new opportunities for regional tourism growth.

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