PATA Youth Symposium 2026 will be held in Pohang, bringing together young professionals and industry leaders to discuss tourism resilience and future skills.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will host its first PATA Youth Symposium 2026 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, bringing together young professionals and industry stakeholders to explore the future of tourism and workforce readiness.
The event will take place at Lahan Hotel on May 11, 2026, as part of the broader PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026), and is supported by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO), Pohang City, and the PATA Thailand Chapter. The symposium will align with the Summit’s theme, Navigating Towards a Resilient Future, focusing on how the public and private sectors are responding to evolving global conditions.
“This symposium is designed to give young people a clearer view of where the industry is heading, the skills that are in demand, and insights directly from experts. It aims to help them better understand what to expect, prepare for their future careers, and provide a platform to share their perspectives,” said Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA.
He added, “It is a pleasure to collaborate with GCTO, Pohang City, and the PATA Thailand Chapter in bringing this initiative to life. Their support is instrumental in creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of tourism professionals.”
Focus on skills, collaboration and tourism resilience
Nam-Il Kim, CEO of Gyeongbuk Cultural Tourism Organization (GCTO), said, “The PATA Youth Symposium is a meaningful platform where young people, who will lead the future of the tourism industry, can share their creative ideas and passion. We hope that participants from diverse cultures and backgrounds will engage with one another and explore the direction of sustainable tourism together. We believe this symposium will serve as an important stepping stone for participants to grow into global tourism leaders, and we will continue to expand an open platform for collaboration with the younger generation.”
Sang-gil Jang, Acting Deputy Mayor of Pohang City, said, “Pohang is honoured to host the PATA Youth Symposium as part of the PATA Annual Summit 2026. As a dynamic coastal city known for its spirit of innovation and resilience, we are excited to welcome bright young minds from around the world to come together, exchange ideas, and shape the future of tourism. We believe that fostering dialogue and collaboration among youth is essential, and we are proud to provide a platform where the next generation of leaders can connect, learn, and be inspired.”
Ben Montgomery, Chairperson of the PATA Thailand Chapter, said, “At the PATA Thailand Chapter, we have been proud to consistently support PATA Youth by providing them with opportunities to gain first-hand exposure to international events such as the PATA Annual Summit. We strongly believe that empowering young people is essential, as they represent the future of our industry. Through this continued sponsorship, we hope to play a meaningful role in shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for tourism.”
The half-day symposium will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and student-led dialogues, addressing topics such as sustainability practices, heritage tourism, the use of artificial intelligence in travel, and career development pathways for young professionals.
Confirmed speakers include Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board; Jules Shin, Area Manager for Korea at Booking.com; Mike Stewart, Regional General Manager Southeast Asia at Intrepid Travel; and Ben-Jie Lim, Chief People & Partnership Officer at AirAsia MOVE.
A networking lunch hosted by GCTO will conclude the programme, providing opportunities for participants and industry professionals to connect and exchange insights.