The next PATA Youth Symposium, to be held during the PATA Annual Summit 2018, is to be hosted by Gangneung-Wonju National University. Organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Human Capital Development Committee and supported by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the Symposium takes place on Thursday, May 17 with the theme of ‘Go Large: Exponential Thinking for Your Career in Tourism’.
“The PATA Youth Symposium is a cornerstone of our commitment to the next generation of young tourism professional and highlights our continued dedication to enhancing the knowledge and skills of students seeking careers in travel and tourism”, said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “We are extremely grateful to Gangneung-Wonju National University for their support and enthusiasm in hosting our Youth Symposium. In doing so, they are helping to enhance the development of tomorrow’s tourism leaders.”
The Youth Symposium takes place on the first day of the PATA Annual Summit 2018 programme taking place in Gangneung, Korea (ROK). The programme was developed with guidance from Dr. Markus Schuckert, Chairman of the PATA Human Capital Development Committee and Assistant Professor at the School of Hotel & Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Dr Markus Schuckert said, “It’s terrific and an honour to be hosted by Gangneung-Wonju National University. With this PATA Youth Symposium and together with our partners from the Korea Tourism Organization, we are happy to deliver an insightful and mind-opening event, empowering the student participants to plan and execute their successful career in the global tourism industry. Our speakers and industry panelists from the PATA Annual Summit will share their insights with the next generation of tourism industry professionals.Their contributions will be welcomed for what will be a truly interactive event.”
Prof. Sukjong Ham, Chief Professor of Tourism Management Department at Gangneung-Wonju National University added, “It is an honour for Gangneung-Wonju National University to host the PATA Youth Symposium on May 17, 2018. The event will be a good experience for the student participants in helping them to better understand world tourism affairs.”
Confirmed speakers at the Youth Symposium include Abdulla Ghiyas, PATA Face of the Future 2018 and President – Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO); Dr Chih-Chien Chen, Assistant Professor, William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Eunhye Kim, Student at the University of Seoul and Former Assistant Manager – INTERCOM Convention Services; JC Wong, PATA Young Tourism Professional Ambassador; JuneGi Jimmy Lim, Marketing, Analysis, Advocate and HR Management at UNESCO-ICHCAP; Dr Markus Schuckert; Dr. Mario Hardy; Raya Bidshahri, Founder & Chief Executive Officer – Awecademy; Prof. Sukjong Ham, and Youlrim Moon, Digital and Distribution Manager – Finnair Korea. Yoonjin Ahn and Jihyeon Lee, students from Gangneung-Wonju National University, will be the Master for Ceremonies for the event.
“This year’s programme is especially notable as we are welcoming to the stage four former PATA Intern Associates in Ms Kim, Mr Lim, Mr Moon and Ms Wong, who have made exceptional advances in their careers. I look forward to seeing them again in Gangneung and hearing about their career development since leaving PATA,” added Dr. Hardy.
The symposium includes presentations on ‘Exponential and Innovative Thinking for Generation Z’, and ‘Steps 1 2 3 – On the way to ‘Going Large’ as well as an under 30 panel discussion on ‘Looking Forward: How to Develop Your Career Agenda in Tourism’. The event also features two interactive roundtable discussions on ‘How can you access career opportunities within the tourism industry?’ and ‘How can you prepare yourself for the international tourism industry?’
