(20 Award Recipients to be Honoured at PATA Travel Mart this August.)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 15 JULY 2025
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 PATA Gold Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements across the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. This
year, 20 winners were recognised across two broad categories — Marketing, and Sustainability and Social Responsibility — highlighting innovative campaigns and impactful initiatives from both organisations and individuals.
Among these leading powerhouses of Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has been selected as the Grand Title Winner in the Marketing category. The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) or DASTA, has been selected as the Grand Title Winner in the Sustainability and Social Responsibility category.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated, “The PATA Gold Awards remain a prestigious benchmark in the travel and tourism industry — honouring those who lead with purpose, innovate with impact, and contribute meaningfully to the industry. This year, we have refined the award categories to better reflect the industry’s creativity, resilience, and dedication to excellence. It is a delight to see the same spirited enthusiasm evinced in the impressive submission numbers. We sincerely thank all participants for sharing their inspiring work.
“Our deepest appreciation also goes to our independent judging panel, whose integrity and commitment ensured a fair, thoughtful, and rigorous evaluation process across all categories.”
Mr Hamid added, “We warmly congratulate the Macao Government Tourism Office and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, our esteemed Grand Title Winners, along with all this year’s recipients. Your achievements continue to raise the bar and inspire a more responsible, inclusive, and impactful future for tourism in the region.”
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said, “The winning initiatives of the PATA Gold Awards are a breath of fresh air for the tourism industry. It is energizing to see the new approaches and commitment displayed by the awardees in marketing, as well as sustainability and social responsibility. Macao is honored to support this PATA initiative for 30 years and contribute to encouraging more diversity and sustainability in the tourism industry in our destination and globally.”
This year’s winners were selected from over 100 entries submitted by 45 travel and tourism organisations and individuals.
All 20 winners will be celebrated at PATA Travel Mart 2025, taking place on August 27 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. To further honour their achievements, the 28 winning entries will be showcased in a special video played throughout the event and featured in the upcoming 2025 PATA Gold Awards booklet, to be published in August.
As mentioned above, the PATA Gold Award 2025 Grand Titles were presented to two esteemed organisations:
MGTO received the coveted PATA Gold Award 2025 Grand Title in Marketing for its campaign, Experience Macao Limited Edition. This interactive website game invited users to virtually explore Macao, China, while competing for exclusive, limited-edition travel experiences.
The campaign integrated a wide range of digital and marketing elements — including CGI teasers, a music video featuring K-pop star Miyeon, a dedicated KLOOK landing page, KOL collaborations, PR, out-of-home advertising, and influencer activations. The result was heightened global visibility and engagement, generating 5.16 billion in media exposure and boosting real-world visitation to Macao.
DASTA received the coveted PATA Gold Award 2025 Grand Title in Marketing for its initiative titled, Sustainable Cultural Heritage Preservation of the Ban Na Ton Chan Homestay Community Enterprise. This homestay offers visitors immersive experiences in the local lifestyle, handicrafts, and folk arts, fostering meaningful cultural exchanges.
Guided by a vision of “Creating strength towards sustainability in all dimensions,” the initiative showcases traditional attire, performances, and craftsmanship — now key sources of community income. By leveraging online platforms for promotion, the community has significantly increased visitor numbers and revenue, ensuring the preservation of its cultural heritage for future generations.
The full result of the PATA Gold Awards 2025 and the list of distinguished judges is attached herewith.
PATA Gold Awards 2025 – Grand Title Winners:
1. Marketing
Winner: Macao Government Tourism Office
Submission: Experience Macao Limited Edition
2. Sustainability & Social Responsibility
Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) or DASTA
Submission: Sustainable Cultural Heritage Preservation of the Ban Na Ton Chan Homestay Community Enterprise
PATA Gold Award Winners 2025 – Marketing Category (16 award categories):
1. Best Destination Marketing Campaign (Destination Marketing Organisation – Asia)
Winner: Sarawak Tourism Board
Submission: Sarawak Gateway to Borneo
2. Best Destination Marketing Campaign (Destination Marketing Organisation – Pacific)
Winner: Tahiti Tourisme
Submission: Follow Your Feelings in The Islands of Tahiti
3. Best Marketing Campaign – Carrier (Airline, Cruise, Airport)
Winner: Srilankan Airlines Limited
Submission: The Ramayana Trail Campaign
4. Best Marketing Campaign – Hospitality (Hotel, Resort, or Management Company)
Winner: Melco Resorts & Entertainment
Submission: Studio City – Sanrio Campaign
5. Best Marketing Campaign – Industry (Any other Tourism Business)
Winner: Flymya
Submission: Travel Easy, Travel Smart
6. Best Integrated Digital Marketing Campaign (Destination)
Winner: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Submission: The ‘Love Season’ Initiative
7. Best Integrated Digital Marketing Campaign (Industry)
Winner: SOTC Travel Limited
Submission: Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara
8. Best Printed Marketing Campaign (Destination)
Winner: Tourism and Travel Bureau, Taichung City Government
Submission: FUN! Taichung, Explore Taichung from A to Z
9. Best Printed Marketing Campaign (Industry)
Winner: Sands China Ltd.
Submission: Sands China’s Community Revitalization Programme for Rua das Estalagens
10. Best Sustainable and Inclusive Marketing Campaign
Winner: Macao Government Tourism Office
Submission: A New Standard of Excellence
11. Best Destination Article
Winner: Rachel Lees – Freelance Writer
Submission: The Kimberley’s Shifting Tides
12. Best Industry Article
Winner: TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd
Submission: TTG Asia Luxury September-October 2024, Rise of Chinese female explorers
13. Best Use of Emerging Technology in Marketing
Winner: Korea Tourism Organization
Submission: Smart Solutions for Regional Tourism Challenges Project
14. Most Engaging Social Media Campaign
Winner: Kerala Tourism
Submission: Meme-led Makeover Campaign
15. Best Travel Photography
Winner: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Submission: The Hidden Romance of Sam Roi Yot
16. Best Travel Video
Winner: Korea Tourism Organization
Submission: Jeonju Rhapsody (The Official Anthem) by Steve Barakatt
PATA Gold Award Winners 2025 – Sustainability & Social Responsibility (10 award categories):
1. Best Climate Action Initiative (Destination)
Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) – DASTA
Submission: Carbon Neutral Community-based Tourism Prototype
2. Best Climate Action Initiative (Industry)
Winner: Waterbom Bali
Submission: Small Island, Big Goals: Waterbom Bali’s Net Zero 2033 Commitment
3. Best Cultural Heritage Preservation Initiative
Winner: School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, Taylor’s University
Submission: Lenggong Valley Heritage Revival
4. Best Ecosystem & Wildlife Conservation Initiative
Winner: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Submission: Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project
5. Best Human Capital Development Programme
Winner: Leofoo Tourism Group
Submission: Leofoo H(earing)-I(mpaired) Team
6. Community-Based Tourism Excellence
Winner: Jeju Tourism Organization
Submission: The Four Pillars of Jeju Community-based Tourism: Policy Initiatives, focusing on Intangible Cultural Heritage of Jeju HaeNyeo
7. Destination Resilience (All Destinations)
Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) – DASTA
Submission: Creative Spaces Revitalizing the Old Town into a Lively Heritage District
8. Tourism for All: Best Inclusion and Diversity Initiative
Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) – DASTA
Submission: Community based tourism for All
9. Best Women Empowerment Initiative
Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) – DASTA
Submission: A Case Study of Ban San Thang Luang, Chiang Rai Province
10. Best Youth Empowerment Initiative
Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) – DASTA
Submission: SE For Youth in Thailand-Loei Youth Saving Group
For more information on the winners and winning-entries, visit: www.pata.org/pata-gold-awards-2025
Independent Panel of Judges:
1. Andreas Hardeman, Manager, Aerospace, Aviation and Travel Industries, World Economic Forum
2. Anna Hong, General Manager, Shun Tak – China Travel Ship Management Limited
3. Bel Castro, Asst. Dean, College of Hospitality Management, Enderun Colleges
4. Betsy Croft, Global Head of Industry Marketing, Skyscanner
5. David Hailstones, Vice President & Chief Group Cultural Officer, Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education Switzerland (BVIS)
6. Eric Fong, Marketing Director, Macau International Airport
7. Fabrizio Orlando, Global Director, Industry Affairs, Tripadvisor
8. Hannah Pearson, Founding Partner, Pearson Consulting (Pear Anderson)
9. Jackson Pek, Senior Vice President & Group General Counsel, Amadeus Asia Limited
10. Janet Yu, Assistant Vice President – Sales, SJM Resorts, S.A
11. Jennifer Chun, Director, Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority
12. Jonathan Low, Managing Director, Global Success Learning Academy
13. Julia Louw, Head of Leisure Tourism, WESGRO Cape Town & Western Cape
14. Justin Ong, Regional Manager, APAC, Hotelbeds Pte. Ltd
15. Lilibeth Aragon, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila
16. Lucie Wesley, VP, Business Development & Marketing, MMGY Global
17. Mark Manglona, Marketing Officer – Pacific & North America, Guam Visitors Bureau
18. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels
19. Paloma Zapata, CEO, Sustainable Travel International
20. Ralf Ostendorf, Director Market & Media Management, Berlin Tourismus&Kongress
21. Reham Shaheen, Tourism Activation team leader, Aseer Region Development Authority
22. Shima Ahmadi, Project Manager, Universitat de Girona
23. Suyin Lee, CEO, Discova Travel
24. Verra Wang, Senior PR Manager, Trip.com Group
25. Victoria Mukranova, International Director Tourism, AVIAREPS
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