Tourexpi
The 19th UN Tourism/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and
Outlook brought together over 230 participants from 30 countries to discuss how
research, data, and innovative policies can foster a smarter, more sustainable
tourism ecosystem. Organized by UN Tourism and the Pacific Asia Travel
Association (PATA), in collaboration with the Guilin Municipal People’s
Government and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the event reinforced its role
as a leading regional platform for global insights.
Strong recovery in Asia-Pacific
UN Tourism data show that international arrivals in
Asia-Pacific grew 11% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, outpacing the
world average, though still 8% below 2019 levels. North-East Asia led with 20%
growth, reflecting the renewed influence of China as the world’s largest
outbound market.
Data at the core of smart tourism
Sessions explored governance and policies backed by
innovative intelligence systems, with contributions from Australia, India,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Spain, Republic of Korea
and Vietnam. Key topics included:
·
Smart destinations: Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, and Spain shared
case studies on digitalization, collaboration, and community well-being.
·
MICE opportunities: Experts from China, Greece, and Korea underlined the
role of data in identifying new market partnerships.
·
Young talent and research: Chinese academia stressed the importance of
training future leaders in data-driven tourism.
Industry perspectives
Keynotes from Fliggy and TUI provided insights on
European travel to Asia-Pacific and the digital transformation of the Chinese
market.
Looking ahead
The 20th edition of the UN Tourism/PATA Forum will
again be organized by UN Tourism, PATA, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
and the Guilin Municipal People’s Government in 2026.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
The most interesting news


Miles & More introduces miles and Points for CO₂-offsetting packages
Members can now collect additional miles and Points when booking CO₂-offsetting packages – moving faster towards frequent flyer status while contributing to more sustainable flying


For its anniversary year: Lufthansa reinvents the onboard experience
With FOX – Future Onboard Experience – Lufthansa will introduce more individuality, comfort and signature moments on long-haul flights from spring 2026


UN Tourism to Launch First Tourism Law Observatory in the Middle East
The new Observatory will act as a knowledge hub to strengthen and harmonize tourism legislation across the region


Ryanair to open new Trapani-Marsala base in January 2026
Two aircraft, 23 routes – including 11 new destinations – and over one million passengers annually: Ryanair expands in Sicily after the scrapping of the Municipal Tax at smaller airports


Çameli Joins the Cittaslow Network – Türkiye Now Counts 27 Member Towns
In southern Denizli, Çameli has been awarded the international Cittaslow label. The region stands out for its pristine nature, traditions, and commitment to sustainable living


Travelport integrates automated commission tool to boost agent revenue
Through a new partnership with Farenexus, Travelport+ now offers real-time commission visibility, helping agencies increase profitability, reduce errors, and make smarter bookings


Eurowings Marketplace launches direct booking for codeshare flights
For the first time, customers can search, book, and check in for codeshare flights directly via the Eurowings website and app. AEGEAN Airlines and Smartwings are the first partners to join


TAT to host the second DNA Travel and Fair 2025 in Bangkok this October
From 9–12 October, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre will showcase Thailand’s subcultures with five lifestyle zones, immersive experiences, and live performances


Spain: 10 new Festivals of National and International Tourist Interest recognised
During World Tourism Week, Spain adds six festivals of national significance and four of international significance to its official list, now totalling 164 and 86 respectively


Hamad International Airport signs Sister Airport agreement with Beijing Daxing International Airport
Partnership strengthens Qatar–China aviation ties and positions Doha as the leading Middle East hub for Chinese travellers


Spain: Roadmap for the Transformation of Tourism
Spain sets out its Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030 with a focus on people and triple sustainability


TUI on track to deliver raised FY25 underlying EBIT growth
Positive summer momentum and strong start to winter underpin confidence in full-year guidance


Ryanair Confirms November 12 as Start Date for 100 Percent Digital Boarding Passes
Europe’s number one airline will phase out paper passes after the autumn holiday period to ensure a smooth transition for passengers


Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launches new campaign and unveils fully bilingual five-star fleet
Emotional brand staging meets global luxury as entire fleet goes bilingual from 2026


Experiential tourism at the core of the 5th Turespaña Convention in Cáceres
From 7–9 October, Cáceres will host Spain’s main tourism forum under the theme “Experiences that transform: building better tourism”. The focus: sustainability, innovation and authentic experiences


World Rivers Day: Agoda Showcases Asia’s Most Captivating Waterways
From Vietnam’s Perfume River to Indonesia’s brilliantly blue Kali Biru – Agoda highlights river destinations that combine natural beauty, cultural heritage and local life


Star Princess delivered to Princess Cruises at Fincantieri shipyard
The second Sphere-Class newbuild will debut in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean and Alaska


Lufthansa unveils special livery for 100th anniversary
A Boeing 787-9 will debut a centennial design in December 2025, marking the start of Lufthansa’s anniversary year 2026


Radisson Individuals brand celebrates 100th property milestone
Expanded portfolio now spans premier, boutique, and retreat segments for greater choice and visibility


Thailand launches ‘Nihao Month’ to celebrate 50 years of Thai–Chinese friendship
Five flagship initiatives unveiled to inspire Chinese travel during Mid-Autumn and Golden Week festivals


Turkish Airlines orders up to 225 Boeing aircraft
The national flag carrier has placed a major order for widebody and narrowbody jets, aiming to modernize its fleet and expand capacity through 2035
