International experts at the forefront of the adventure travel industry gathered in Al Ain last week to discuss issues and opportunities in travel and tourism at the Pata Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart.

The Pata Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2018 began on February 21 in Al Ain, UAE with 180 delegates from 33 countries in attendance for the three-day niche event.

The event, which was organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) and hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, brought together 180 delegates from 33 countries for the three-day niche event, which ran from February 21 to 23.

Pata CEO, Dr. Mario Hardy, said: “The event aims to be a catalyst for generating new ideas and improving collaboration between public and private sector organisations. Throughout the Asia Pacific region, the association understands the need for all stakeholders to work together in planning, building and promoting the uniqueness and diversity of each country’s offering. Pata is honoured to work with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi in organising this event, which highlights their commitment to the responsible and sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry.”

On February 22, delegates heard from a diverse line-up of international speakers at the one-day conference under the theme ‘Adventure in a New Era’. The 15 pioneers, thought leaders and change-drivers who are shaping the emerging landscape of the adventure travel industry, examined various conference topics that covered ‘2018 Adventure Travel Trends – looking ahead to 2021', 'Partnerships for a New Era', 'New Operators for a New Era', 'The Middle Eastern Adventure Traveller', 'Micro Moments:The secret to always winning in an era of Facebook and Instagram’, 'Stimulating Innovation in a New Era', 'LocalHood: The end of tourism', and ‘OverTourism: Loving Destinations to Death’.

The conference was opened by Sultan Al Matawa Al Dhaheri, executive director – Tourism Sector, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. Other speakers included Achiraya “Achi” Thamparipattra, CEO and co-founder – Hivesters; Ahmed Samra, Product Development Manager - Wild Guanabana; Ali Mokdad, founder and chief creative officer - Creative Animals Content Creators; and Elaheh Peyman Granov, senior project manager - Wonderful Copenhagen, among others.

Dr. Mario Hardy concluded: “As the UAE celebrates the Year of Zayed, marking 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, it is fitting that delegates will depart this event with a much greater appreciation about the UAE and Al Ain. As one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements, they will understand that the destination has attractions and activities to suit travellers of all types, from its green oasis, archaeological sites and forts to its adventure activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking and go karting.” - TradeArabia News Service