PATA will host the inaugural Youth Symposium & Career Fair in Bangkok on August 27, featuring industry experts and career opportunities.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the organisation of the inaugural PATA Youth Symposium & Career Fair on August 27 in Bangkok, Thailand. This event, now open for registration, is held in conjunction with PATA Travel Mart 2024 and the 25th anniversary of the Association’s establishment in Thailand.
In addition to a dynamic one-day programme filled with interactive activities, the upcoming PATA Youth Symposium proudly features a special career fair segment, offering students the chance to explore various career paths and meet experts in their fields of interest. Seven leading organisations from the Asia Pacific travel and tourism sector, including Dusit Careers, Khiri Travel, Rama Gardens Hotel Bangkok, and Travel Compositor, will be part of the event.
“We are witnessing a new era of young trailblazers whose passion and dedication are set to revolutionise the tourism industry,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “To support their journey, it is essential to bridge the gap between their potential and the workforce opportunities available to them. The PATA Youth Symposium is crafted with this purpose in mind. It will not only broaden young people’s understanding of the current tourism job market through professional presentations and mentorship sessions but will also offer practical opportunities through the career fair.”
He continued, “PATA is grateful to our host, Dusit Thani College, and all participating organisations for sharing the Association’s commitment to nurturing these future stars. Their dedication stands as an inspiring model for the entire tourism sector.”
Graciously hosted by Dusit Thani College, the event will be held at Srinakarin Hall on the college’s campus grounds. As an educational institution renowned for shaping generations of talent in hotel management, culinary arts, and business administration, Dusit Thani College is the ideal venue for youths to engage with industry leaders, share insights, and learn the latest tourism trends through expert presentations, panel discussions, roundtable talks, and mentorship opportunities.
Dusit Thani College’s Dean of Hospitality Management Program Simon Lloyd said, “Creating a strong network amongst students and a space where they can share, build and shape their ideas is vital for an innovative and sustainable tourism industry. The PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair is an important platform to create a safe space for students to challenge the status quo and share their ambitions for the future!”
Tourism.co.th and Me2 Travel, distinguished members of the Association, are this year’s PATA Youth Sponsors. The organisations are supporting 40 Thailand-based students from PATA Education-Premium Member institutions to participate in PATA Travel Mart 2024, providing representatives of the youth community with a unique opportunity to gain insights and skills by engaging directly with the B2B trade show. This initiative not only reflects Tourism.co.th and Me2 Travel’s dedication to empower the next generation of industry leaders but also highlights the significant impact of real-world exposure in shaping future professionals.
In the morning of August 27, the Symposium will feature presentations addressing insightful topics, including ‘Current and Future Trends of AI & Technology’ and ‘Trends on Human Capital Development’.
During the programme, participants will have the opportunity to engage in roundtable discussions and deliver presentations on the following questions:
Are you interested in pursuing a career in tourism and hospitality-related sectors?
Why are you interested/not interested in pursuing a career in tourism and hospitality-related sectors?
What is the #1 topic that the youths want to discuss with the industry?
The panel discussions are set to navigate a variety of less-known professions and ways to secure employment in the tourism industry, diving into the essential elements necessary for young talents to build successful careers.