PATA Annual Summit 2026 was announced at the closing of its 2025 Summit in Istanbul (Photo: PATA)
The Pacific Asia Travel Association has announced that the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026) will be jointly hosted by two cities for the first time since the summits began to be held.
In a press statement, PATA says that PAS 2026 will be held, from May 11-13, in Gyeongju and Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province of South Korea, in coordination with the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organisation (GCTO).
It adds that the official handover was made on April 23 during the closing ceremony of the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) in İstanbul, Türkiye, symbolising the continued momentum and legacy of the Association’s flagship event.
“Gyeongju and Pohang each hold unique significance within the Republic of Korea’s tourism industry, Gyeongju as a cradle of ancient Korean civilisation, rich in cultural treasures, and Pohang as a vibrant coastal city where natural beauty co-exist seamlessly with contemporary landmarks. They are the meeting point of tradition and modernity, and reflect the kind of depth and diversity that today’s travellers increasingly seek,” says Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA.
Noor Ahmad Hamid
“We are especially proud that, for the first time in PATA’s history, two cities will co-host the Summit, making PAS 2026 a truly historic and symbolic celebration of our 75th anniversary as an Association that unites different tourism sectors and global tourism leaders worldwide. I extend my appreciation to our partners in Gyeongsangbuk-do and across the Republic of Korea for their hospitality and support, and look forward to working together to create an impactful and inspiring Summit experience,” he adds.
The statement adds that South Korea has previously hosted the PATA Annual Summit five times, highlighting that the first three were held in Seoul in 1965, 1979 and 1994, then Jeju in 2004, and Gangneung in 2018.
“It is a great honour for me to stand before you today and officially announce Gyeongju and Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea as the host destinations for the PATA Annual Summit 2026. Our goal is to make PAS 2026 more than just a tourism event, it will be a platform for sustainability, innovation, and human connections. With the support and expertise of PATA, we believe this vision can become a powerful reality. We look forward to welcoming you all to Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea, in 2026,” says Kim Namil, President, GCTO and the head of the Gyeongsangbuk-do delegation of 13 individuals who attended PAS 2025.
“Through close cooperation with PATA, we hope to make the 2026 Gyeongju-Pohang Summit the most inclusive and strategic edition yet. Let this occasion mark the beginning of deeper ties with all PATA member nations gathered here,” says Lee Dongup, Chairperson, Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural & Environmental Committee.
Located in southeastern part of South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, or North Gyeongsang Province, has a diverse landscape that ranges from forested highlands to coastal areas, as well as history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The region presents ample opportunities for visitors to explore traditional Korean heritage, including preserved temples, historic villages, and local craftsmanship that reflect centuries-old customs.
The province’s largest city, Pohang, is a charming coastal destination known for distinctive landmarks such as the Hands of Harmony sculpture and the Hwanho Park Space Walk, a curving walkway which provides panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding nature. To the south, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as ‘the museum without walls’ due to its wealth of historical sites. Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is now home to key landmarks such as the Royal Tombs, Cheomseongdae, the world’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory, and Gyeongju Tower.
"
