Recognition within global travel associations often reflects years of sustained contribution to industry development and collaboration. PATA’s latest honours acknowledged leaders who have played a significant role in strengthening tourism networks across the Asia Pacific region.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has conferred Life Membership on SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited, during its awards ceremony held on 11 May 2026 in Pohang, Republic of Korea. The honour, regarded as the Association’s highest individual recognition, acknowledges long-standing leadership and dedication to PATA and the wider tourism industry.
SanJeet received the recognition alongside Suman Pandey, Group Chairman, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure. The awards were presented during the PATA Executive Board & Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner at the Lahan Hotel.
Longstanding contribution to PATA and travel trade
A two-term member of the PATA Executive Board and an active board member for over 18 years, SanJeet has held multiple leadership positions within the Association, including roles linked to the PATA India Chapter. He also played an instrumental role in bringing PATA Travel Mart 2023 to New Delhi, one of the region’s longest-running travel trade exhibitions.
As Director of DDP Publications, a PATA member since 1999, SanJeet oversees the publication of ten travel industry magazines, including two based in Dubai. He is also the founder of the India Travel Awards, India Cargo Awards, and Arabian Travel Awards, initiatives aimed at recognising excellence across the travel and tourism sector.
PATA acknowledges industry leadership
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid congratulated the recipients, stating that the honourees had contributed significantly to shaping the Association through leadership, integrity, and commitment to advancing the tourism community.
The event also saw Suman Pandey recognised with Life Membership for his contributions to Nepal’s tourism sector across adventure travel, aviation, hospitality, and tourism policy.
In addition, Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador, Centara Hotels & Resorts, and Judy Torres, Deputy Managing Director, Marianas Visitors Authority, received PATA Awards of Merit for their contributions to the Association and its chapter network. Kornchalee Tantimongkonsakul, Corporate Affairs, PATA, was presented with the PATA Chairman’s Award.
The recognition of SanJeet highlights the growing influence of Indian travel industry leaders within regional and global tourism platforms, particularly in strengthening trade engagement and industry collaboration across Asia Pacific.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.