Monday, September 16, 2024 The first-ever PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair 2024 brought together more than 200 young participants and industry professionals from both local and international backgrounds, representing 12 different destinations. This landmark event was designed to inspire and engage the youth, giving them a platform to explore future opportunities in the tourism sector. The symposium was generously hosted by Dusit Thani College and spearheaded by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
It highlighted the growing importance of developing future leaders within the tourism industry. By focusing on education and innovation, the event aimed to equip young minds with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving field. One of the key features of the event was its diverse lineup of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive roundtable sessions.
Led by esteemed international figures from the tourism world, these activities provided a rich learning experience for all attendees. Students had the rare opportunity to engage directly with experts, gaining valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges shaping global tourism. In addition to the symposium, the career fair was a major highlight, offering students the chance to connect with top-tier organisations.
With representatives from prestigious companies in attendance, participants were able to explore potential career paths, internships, and job openings. This segment of the event served as a crucial stepping stone for young individuals eager to break into the tourism industry. The combination of thought-provoking discussions and hands-on career opportunities made the event a unique experience.
It not only broadened the perspectives of the attendees but also strengthened the ties between education and industry, fostering collaboration for the future. Overall, the PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair 2024 successfully created a platform that not only showcased career opportunities but also underscored the importance of youth involvement in shaping the future of tourism. With a focus on innovation and leadership, the event proved to be a key milestone in the development of tomorrow’s tourism professionals.
The symposium was officiated by PATA Chair Peter Semone , whose welcome remarks addressed the future of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry in relation to technological advancements. He stated, “As a new generation of talent is being trained, it is crucial to ensure they keep pace with rapid technological development and leverage it to enhance the traveller’s experience, while still preserving the true value of human-to-human service. We hope to support this generation’s journey into the workforce by equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to excel and remain competitive in this ever-evolving industry.
” “The PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair 2024 serves as a powerful convergence of young, passionate minds and seasoned industry professionals, fostering a transformative exchange of ideas and experiences,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “We take immense pride in nurturing the next generation of tourism leaders, as we believe their growth is vital to driving innovation and ensuring the sustainability of our industry. This edition of the youth symposium is dedicated to empowering students with opportunities to engage directly with the industry, offering them the invaluable experience needed to shape the future of global tourism.
” Simon Lloyd, Dean of Dusit Thani College’s International Programs, noted in his opening remark, “As students from various schools and destinations across Southeast Asia gather here at PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair 2024, we are committed to providing a platform for youth to share ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and drive the advancement of the travel and tourism industry.” The event kicked off with a captivating presentation by Sonal Patel, Vice President of APAC at Quantcast, who delved into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the travel and tourism industry. She discussed how AI is revolutionizing consumer experiences, enabling companies to better cater to customer needs and preferences.
Patel emphasized the critical importance of targeting the right audience in an increasingly competitive market, where standing out requires precision and innovation driven by AI advancements. Next, Niramol Jindanuwat, Chief People Officer at Dusit International, took the stage to share her perspective on the top ten skills essential for success in the tourism industry. Her list included key competencies such as attention to detail, a balance of high-tech and high-touch approaches, effective communication, teamwork, multitasking, and global citizenship.
Jindanuwat also highlighted the importance of cultural awareness, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, initiative, resilience, and emotional intelligence, stressing that these skills are vital for thriving in a fast-paced and evolving industry. Youth participants played a crucial role in shaping the day’s discussions, engaging in roundtable dialogues focused on the future of the tourism workforce. These sessions provided a platform for the younger generation to voice their insights, exchanging ideas with peers before presenting their collective viewpoints to seasoned industry professionals.
Eunkyu Chun (Nick), Executive of Membership & Youth Programmes at PATA, followed with an introduction to the PATA Youth Programme and PATA Internship Programme, giving attendees a pathway to further involvement in the tourism sector. Rika Jean-François, Head of International Business Relations at Queer Destinations, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. She discussed how DEI initiatives ensure that individuals who have historically faced unjust exclusion, whether due to gender, ethnicity, age, social status, or other factors, are included in the workforce.
Jean-François underscored the advantages of embracing DEI and shared strategies for implementing these principles effectively within organizations, driving both inclusivity and innovation. A dynamic panel discussion moderated by Pichaya Noranitiphadungkarn, Director of Industry and International Relations at Dusit Thani College, provided aspiring tourism professionals with insights into less conventional career paths within the industry. Esteemed panelists included Andrew Jones, Guardian of Sanctuary Resorts, Mike Stewart, GM of Thailand and Laos at Intrepid Travel, Nerea Caldes, Senior Software Developer at Travel Compositor, and Ravindran Veeraperumal, Regional Manager for Asia Pacific at SriLankan Airlines Limited.
Together, they highlighted unique opportunities for growth and success beyond traditional tourism roles. Later in the day, another panel discussion focused on practical strategies for navigating the job search process in tourism, moderated by Dusit Thani College student Thet Hnin Ko Ko. Experts like Aljoscha Benjamin Keller, Marketing & Sales Manager at DTH Travel Thailand, Nicha Ratanakul, Senior Manager for Talent and Career Development at Dusit International, and Kongkiat Damraks, Human Resource Management Director at Thai Airways International, shared tips on how students can differentiate themselves in a crowded job market.
The afternoon concluded with a lively Career Fair, where students networked with leading companies such as Dusit International, Khiri Travel, and SO/ Bangkok, gaining valuable connections for future career opportunities. The event received strong support from sponsors Tourism.co.
th and Me2 Travel, ensuring a successful conclusion to the 2024 PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair..
