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Issue 88, May 12, 2023 https://newyorkpata.org

MENA Tourism Industry

ForwardKeys, the leading travel analytics firm, reveals a 36% increase in international arrivals into the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region between June – August this year versus the same period in 2022.  

Several destinations are outperforming not just the arrival figures for 2022 but are also set to grow above their pre-pandemic levels: Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Qatar, with Morocco just reaching 2019 international arrival levels. 

Saudi Arabia is the most booked destination for travelling from the MENA region this summer, up by 79% versus the pre-pandemic. The Saudi government has heavily invested in developing its tourism infrastructure and offering – the data shows that all the investment is working, particularly with regional markets.


In second place is exotic Thailand. The growth of bookings to Southeast Asian destinations is strong, with Thailand leading by 233% versus 2022 levels and +109% on 2019 levels.  


Countries in West Asia includes ArmeniaAzerbaijanBahrain, Cyprus, GeorgiaIraqIsraelJordanKuwaitLebanonOmanPalestineQatarSaudi ArabiaSyriaTurkeyUnited Arab Emirates, and Yemen


AAPI Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

There are around 50 countries in Asia and most, if not all, are represented within the five boroughs. The diversity within New York City’s Asian community is nearly endless: immigrants from China, India, Thailand, Pakistan, the Philippines and more have made the city their home, bringing distinctive foods, music, and styles to NYC’s streets—not to mention hundreds of languages. Korean barbecue, bubble tea, dim sum, karaoke and a wide range of museums and festivals are just some examples of how deeply embedded Asian culture is in New York City—and how that culture is experienced by locals and visitors from around the world.


At well over a million residents, the Asian community within the five boroughs is a vital part of the fabric of New York City. And with representation from nearly every country in Asia, the diversity within that community is unmatched anywhere else in the U.S.


Japan

Japan Parade and Street Fair 5/13/2023

https://japanparadenyc.org/

 

The Grand Marshal of the Parade is Kristi Yamaguchi 

Join us on Saturday 5/13 at 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Ave.  Enjoy the real Japan at JAPAN Fes x Japan Street Fair

 

Come to taste exclusive amazing local Japanese menus at JAPAN Fes x Japan Street Fair.  The biggest JAPAN Fes ever. For the first time, we are collaborating with Japan Street Fair and we offer authentic local Japanese food only for this day!!

You can meet so many new vendors with special delicious Japanese items such as luxury Wagyu sushi, juicy chicken namban, gorgeous bento, fluffy matcha mochi doughnuts, local authentic ramen, and so on!


Tokyo Now

 https://conta.cc/3LwOPNa

By Aki Hirai



China

Tea for Harmony - Yaji Cultural Salon

International Tea Day

May 21, 2023

Time: 12 noon - 2 pm

Venue: American Dream

RSVP:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZX-oyd10RqaBW30csxtYnt6m_zl8_O_qszZV-GZS4Y4/edit


Charm of Jiangsu -

More Beautiful with You

May 24, 2023

Time: 3 pm - 5 pm

Venue: Museum of Chinese in America

(MOCA) New York

RSVP:

https://forms.gle/G5vvc4ckfLB3c6AJ9

Thailand

Amazing Thailand Fest 2023

June 3-4, 2023

Time: 10 am - 6 pm

Downtown Iconic Venue TBA


Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/623043552724127/625999022428580/?ti=ls


RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amazing-thailand-fest-2023-new-york-tickets-621214608617?fbclid=IwAR0Gfar8wtGYjYlBcFOs6-jx5VGRk5KxxS-Hk63cYiEO9SzN8B_wZNgziWs


Bring friends and family to discover the beauty of Thai culture and participate in Thai games for a chance to win Amazing Thailand prizes!



The Philippines

Mark your calendars!

Countdown to the

Philippine Independence Day Council

125th Philippine Independence Day Parade

June 4, 2023 Madison Avenue, New York City


On Friday, 16 June, 12:30PM, at the oldest park in New York City (NYC), the Philippine Flag shall be raised to mark 125 years of Philippine Independence. Let us show NYC and the world how solid we are as a community by showing up in a united display of Pinoy Pride!

This flag raising ceremony is co-organized by the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.

To RSVP, please send an email to newyorkpcg.events@dfa.gov.ph with the subject "flag raising."



Hospitality



As part of Andaz’s “Local Flavor Series,” Andaz 5th Ave brought a taste of Mexico City to New York. The executive chef from Andaz Condesa crafted an exquisite selection of local Mexican cuisine for tasting. The leadership team of the hotel came to NYC to showcase the newest hotel in the Andaz portfolio.


Thank you Rebekah, HYATT Global Sales, for the invitation. Great new property and chef in Mexico!




Hilton LIVE! was an immersive event that featured continuing ed, panel discussions, a community giveback activity, and more. It was a full-day event. Chefs demonstrated the latest in food and beverage offerings. On a back-of-house tour, we could see the chefs at work. The ambiance and roundtables offered space for conversation, ideas, and inspiration.


Thank you, Sergi, for your invitation and to Hilton for hosting a fabulous event. We had a good meeting with Hilton, and also with China Airlines and Panorama Travel.



Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Warm wishes for a happy and memorable Mother’s Day!


With best regards,

New York PATA Board of Directors






Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) | New York PATA

Email: ElizabethNYPATA@gmail.com |   https://newyorkpata.org