The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will bring together future tourism professionals and industry leaders for the PATA Youth Symposium 2025 on Monday, August 25, at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Thailand.
The event takes place just before the start of PATA Travel Mart 2025 and is hosted by the International College for Sustainability Studies (SWUIC) in collaboration with Bangkok University International (BUI).
This annual symposium is designed to give young tourism professionals and students the tools, insights, and connections they need to thrive in a fast-changing industry. With keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders while engaging in meaningful dialogue about the future of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.
Focus on Career Readiness
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid emphasised the importance of investing in the next generation, stating that empowering youth is a direct investment in the future of the tourism industry. He stressed the need to build pathways that help students and young professionals move from aspiration to achievement, ensuring they are prepared to face challenges and seize opportunities.
He also expressed gratitude to the host institution and partner organisations for their commitment to supporting emerging tourism talent. According to Thanakorn Thongprayoon, Dean of SWUIC, the symposium aligns perfectly with the university’s mission to prepare globally minded graduates who are committed to sustainability and inclusivity. By connecting students with industry leaders, SWUIC hopes to spark innovative ideas and inspire lasting change.
Programme Highlights
The PATA Youth Symposium 2025 promises a full day of dynamic sessions and practical advice for attendees:
- Keynote Sessions: Sophia Montgomery, Physics Student at Harvard University and Paris 2024 Olympian in Women’s Dinghy Sailing, and Jonathan Low, CEO of Global Success Learning Academy, will open the event with insights into leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
- Graduate Success Panel: Recent graduates who have successfully entered the tourism workforce will share their journeys and answer questions in an interactive Q&A.
- “Uncovering the Unseen”: A panel hosted by experts from the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Intrepid Travel, and iSanook Hotels & Resorts will introduce attendees to niche and lesser-known career paths in tourism.
- “Career-Ready: How to Impress Recruiters”: HR professionals from Dusit International and other leading companies will offer practical tips for standing out in the job market.
- Student Chapter Workshop: Co-organised by the PATA Thailand SWUIC Student Chapter and the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, this session will encourage collaboration between student networks.
Encouraging Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
As the host venue, SWUIC will welcome participants to its campus, providing a space for discussions about current career opportunities and the future of the tourism industry. The institution prides itself on producing graduates who are not only skilled and career-ready but also committed to building a sustainable and inclusive future for global travel.
The symposium will also serve as a platform to explore emerging trends that are reshaping the sector, from technological innovations to evolving traveller expectations. By blending academic perspectives with real-world industry experience, the event aims to create a roadmap for the next generation of tourism leaders.
Event Details
| Event | Date | Location | Host | Key Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PATA Youth Symposium 2025 | August 25, 2025 | Bangkok, Thailand | International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University | Bangkok University International |
Looking Ahead
For those who cannot attend in person, PATA will share updates and resources online to ensure that the lessons and insights from the symposium reach a wider audience. The organisation remains committed to its long-term mission of guiding, mentoring, and inspiring young professionals across the Asia Pacific tourism industry.
For more details on the programme, visit www.pata.org/pata-youth-symposium-2025.
