PATA Youth Symposium concludes in Korea to empower the next generation of tourism leaders
PATA Youth Symposium
The event was supported by Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO), Pohang City, and PATA Thailand Chapter.
The first PATA Youth Symposium of the year was organised at Lahan Hotel, Pohang, Korea (ROK), on May 11, 2026. The event held on the first day of the PATA Annual Summit 2026 welcomed students, young professionals, and tourism industry leaders. It was supported by Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO), Pohang City, and PATA Thailand Chapter.
Lee Sang-hyun, Director General, Pohang City’s Tourism & Convention Promotion Bureau, said, “It is truly meaningful for us to host the 2026 PATA Youth Symposium here in Pohang — a city that has grown through a spirit of innovation and challenge — bringing together young people who will lead the future of tourism.”
Following the event, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “It is important that every PATA event provides a platform for the younger generation to have their voice heard, beyond simply listening to speakers from around the world. It is our small contribution to each destination we visit to engage and inspire future tourism leaders through this important conversation.”
The half-day event featured presentations and discussions from tourism experts from various sectors, offering students and young professionals diverse and rounded perspectives on their future in the tourism industry.
Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board, shared insights into youth leadership and empowerment initiatives in Sarawak, highlighting the importance of putting students at the centre of tourism conversations and creating platforms for young voices to share their perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends shaping the future of the industry. She noted that the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) is Sarawak’s space for collaboration, leadership development, and long-term community building.
Jules Shin, Area Manager for South Korea and New Zealand, Booking.com, remarked, “Travel remains one of the most important industries, projected to reach USD 4 trillion in global travel total transaction value by 2030.” Shin went on to examine the evolving tourism landscape through the lens of resilience, discussing sustainability, climate adaptation, shifting traveller expectations, and the long-term resilience of destinations and tourism businesses.
Dr Bella Vongvisitsin, Assistant Professor (Hospitality and Tourism Management), Hong Kong Metropolitan University, and 2025 PATA Face of the Future in Strategic Management, underscored the growing importance of diversity in today’s evolving career landscape, highlighting how inclusive workplaces contribute to innovation, resilience, and stronger organisational performance across global industries such as tourism. Vongvisitsin further shared that nowadays, 76% jobseekers consider diversity when looking for work (SAP & Niagara Institute).
The event featured a few sessions on topics like From Intern to Industry: Stories That Shape Careers; Voices of the Next Generation; and Maritime Sustainability and Ocean Conservation.
