The 25th edition of the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) World Tourism & Aviation Leaders Summit and PATWA International Travel Awards successfully concluded at ITB Berlin, one of the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fairs.

This year’s event, hosted in partnership with Goa Tourism, brought together tourism ministers, diplomats, industry leaders, and global media representatives to discuss the future of travel and recognize excellence in tourism and aviation.

Global Leaders Gather to Shape the Future of Tourism

The high-profile summit featured participation from tourism ministers representing ten countries, alongside ambassadors, top executives from leading hotels, airlines, and destinations, as well as key figures from the international media.

Among the notable speakers were:

• H.E. Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, St. Kitts & Nevis
• H.E. Carlos James, Esq., Minister of Tourism, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
• H.E. Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Nepal
• H.E. Patricia De Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa
• Istvan Ujhelyi, UN Tourism Ambassador to the European Union
• Dr. Alain St.Ange, Former Tourism Minister of Seychelles and candidate for the UN Tourism presidency
• Harry Theoharis, Former Tourism Minister of Greece and leading candidate for UN Tourism Secretary-General

The summit provided a critical platform for discussions on sustainable tourism growth, aviation advancements, and global travel recovery, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policies outlined by UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO).

PATWA International Travel Awards: Recognizing Excellence

One of the highlights of the event was the prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards, which celebrated outstanding achievements in the tourism and aviation sectors.

A total of 44 awards were presented across various categories, including:

• Best Tourism Destinations – Recognizing cities and countries promoting responsible tourism
• Excellence in Hospitality – Honoring world-class hotels and resorts
• Aviation Industry Leaders – Awarding airlines that excel in service, safety, and sustainability
• Individual Achievements – Celebrating tourism professionals and executives shaping the industry
• Excellence in Governance – Recognizing government initiatives that drive tourism success

The awards align with global tourism policies set by UN Tourism, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and various national tourism boards. These organizations emphasize the need for innovation, sustainable tourism, and industry-wide collaboration to ensure continued growth in the sector.

Goa Tourism: Partnering for a Global Impact

This year’s event was proudly co-hosted by Goa Tourism, positioning India’s leading coastal destination as a hub for global travel investment and cultural tourism. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, continues to support international partnerships that enhance India’s tourism appeal and economic contributions.

What’s Next?

As the PATWA Summit 2025 comes to a close, industry stakeholders eagerly anticipate the full list of winners, set to be announced in the coming days. With discussions on aviation innovation, sustainable tourism policies, and leadership in governance, the event reinforces the global commitment to transforming travel for the future.

For official updates on award winners, tourism trends, and upcoming industry events, visit UN Tourism, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and national tourism boards worldwide.

The post The 25th edition of the PATWA World Tourism and Aviation Leaders Summit and PATWA International Travel Awards conclude at ITB Berlin: What you need to know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.