PATA Hosts First Youth Symposium 2026 in Pohang, Korea, Engaging their Students and Young Professionals to Shape their Future of Tourism Amid New Digital and Climate Changes

Written By: Gishan Das

Gishan Das

Gishan Das is a dedicated graduate with academic backgrounds in History and Political Science and practical experience in journalism and digital content creation. He completed his History Honours from Serampore College under the University of Calcutta and Political Science Honours from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2025. His academic credentials are supported by professional certifications including a B2 level Certification in French language, NISM Financial Education certification in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group alongside Gishan has strong expertise in journalism, news research and SEO-based content writing. He has demonstrated skills in news analysis, fact-checking, headline creation, digital storytelling and search-optimized reporting, which are also reflected in the journalism and media skills

See Full Bio

May 28, 2026 12:11 GMT+5:30

The inaugural session of the PATA Youth Symposium for the year 2026 was organized on 11th May at Lahan Hotel, Pohang, Korea. This symposium was backed by the GCTO – Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization, Pohang City Council, and the PATA Chapter in Thailand. The symposium made way for giving the youth of the tourism industry a chance to make their voice heard as the organizers pointed out the need for engaging youth professionals in order to influence the future of tourism.

Empowering Youth Through Career Insights and Mentorship

The symposium featured sessions like “From Intern to Industry: Stories That Shape Careers”, where PATA alumni shared their transitions from university to professional life. Speakers reflected on uncertainty, career shifts, and skill development, providing practical insights for students and young professionals seeking to build long-term careers in tourism. This mentorship approach equips youth with resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills, fostering a generation prepared to drive future tourism growth globally.

Voices of the Next Generation: Driving Innovation and Growth

During the “Voices of the Next Generation” session, students shared perspectives on the future of tourism. Many expressed optimism, seeing themselves contributing to destination development, sustainable travel initiatives, and digital transformation. Industry experts reassured participants that tourism remains a robust global sector, offering growth opportunities across hospitality, transportation, and experience-based services. The dialogue emphasized how youth engagement is essential for innovation, and how young professionals will influence future tourism growth and resilience in the Asia-Pacific region.

Insights from Regional and Global Tourism Experts

Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, highlighted youth leadership initiatives like the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS), emphasizing collaboration and long-term community-based tourism development. Jules Shin, Booking.com Area Manager, underscored the industry’s projected growth, with global travel expected to reach US$4 trillion by 2030. Discussions focused on sustainability, climate adaptation, and evolving traveller expectations, providing participants with insight into strategic trends driving future tourism growth. Dr Bella Vongvisitsin, Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, stressed diversity and inclusion as essential for innovative and resilient organizations.

Promoting Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Practices

The symposium also addressed marine conservation and coastal sustainability. The panel “Maritime Sustainability and Ocean Conservation” included leaders from the Asian Development Bank, Sabah Tourism Board, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and private sector representatives. Discussions emphasized how responsible tourism practices support ecosystem protection, community livelihoods, and long-term industry growth, highlighting the interconnectedness of sustainability and future tourism development. By integrating environmental stewardship, youth perspectives, and community engagement, the symposium reinforced the foundation for resilient, growth-oriented tourism ecosystems.

Lessons in Adaptation and Career Resilience

Ben-Jie Lim, Chief People & Partnerships Officer at AirAsia MOVE, shared his career journey, emphasizing adaptation, mentorship, and innovation as drivers of business and personal growth. Lim stressed that transformative leadership is key for attracting travellers and clients while expanding market reach. These insights illustrate how emerging leaders can contribute to future tourism growth, ensuring that destinations and organizations remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

PATA’s Commitment to Nurturing Future Tourism Growth

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid highlighted the importance of youth participation in shaping tourism’s long-term trajectory. By offering platforms to engage, share, and innovate, PATA helps cultivate a generation equipped to manage digital, sustainable, and resilient tourism ecosystems. The Youth Symposium demonstrates how investing in youth today directly influences future industry growth, preparing young professionals to lead initiatives that respond to market trends, climate challenges, and evolving traveller expectations.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Tourism

The symposium emphasized skills for future tourism growth, including strategic management, sustainability, digital marketing, and cross-cultural collaboration. Students learned from panels and interactive sessions about career opportunities, emerging trends, and global best practices. By equipping youth with knowledge, mentorship, and networks, the symposium strengthens the pipeline of professionals capable of advancing sustainable tourism while driving economic development across destinations.

Driving Long-Term Tourism Growth Through Innovation and Youth Engagement

It is clear that for the future development of the sector, it is crucially important to involve young people into the process. The involvement of the youth in terms of sustainability, digital technologies, and diversity will allow them to make their contribution towards the further development and evolution of the sector. In other words, the PATA Youth Symposium helps develop competent and strong leaders who can contribute to the growth and competitiveness of destinations.

Image Source: PATA