The PATA Youth Symposium 2026 in Pohang brought together students, young professionals and tourism leaders to discuss leadership, resilience, sustainability and career development in the future tourism workforce.
The first PATA Youth Symposium of 2026 was held at Lahan Hotel in Pohang, Republic of Korea, on May 11, bringing together students, young professionals and tourism industry leaders on the opening day of the PATA Annual Summit 2026.
The event was supported by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO), Pohang City and the PATA Thailand Chapter, attracting a full audience of participants interested in the future of tourism and hospitality.
“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.
“Among all of you gathered here today, I believe there will be future leaders who will go on to drive transformation in the tourism industry.”
The remarks were delivered by Lee Sang-hyun, Director General of Pohang City’s Tourism & Convention Promotion Bureau.
Following the event, Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA, highlighted the importance of engaging young people in industry discussions.
“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 programme featured presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions covering tourism careers, sustainability, resilience and leadership. During the session “From Intern to Industry: Stories That Shape Careers”, former PATA interns shared experiences of transitioning from university into professional roles, discussing career development, workplace challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector.
The “Voices of the Next Generation” session invited students to share their perspectives on the future of tourism. While most participants expressed optimism about pursuing careers in the industry, some highlighted concerns linked to the long-term effects of the pandemic.
Industry speakers from destination management organisations, private sector companies and academic institutions responded by emphasising tourism’s continued economic importance and long-term growth potential.
Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board, presented youth empowerment initiatives in Sarawak, highlighting programmes that place students at the centre of tourism discussions. She pointed to the Rainforest Youth Summit as a platform for collaboration, leadership development and community building.
Jules Shin, Area Manager for South Korea and New Zealand at Booking.com, discussed the future outlook for travel, noting projections that global travel transaction value could reach US$4 trillion by 2030. His presentation examined sustainability, climate adaptation, changing traveller expectations and destination resilience.
Dr Bella Vongvisitsin, Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Metropolitan University and recipient of the 2025 PATA Face of the Future in Strategic Management award, focused on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She highlighted research indicating that 76% of job seekers consider diversity when evaluating employment opportunities.
The panel discussion “Maritime Sustainability and Ocean Conservation” explored the role of responsible tourism in protecting marine ecosystems and supporting coastal communities. Participants included Jessie McComb from the Asian Development Bank, Julinus Jeffery Jimit of the Sabah Tourism Board, Jennifer Chun from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Dong-Gwang Son, CEO of Stay Hotel and former Chairman of the Yeongil Bay Tourism Special Zone Council.
In a separate session, Ben-Jie Lim, Chief People & Partnerships Officer at AirAsia MOVE, reflected on his career development and the organisation’s evolution into the online travel agency sector. He emphasised the importance of transformation and adaptability in maintaining relevance and creating value within the travel industry.
The symposium formed part of the broader PATA Annual Summit 2026 programme, providing a platform for future tourism professionals to engage directly with industry leaders and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.