PATA will hold the PATA Youth Symposium 2025 at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, August 25, ahead of the PATA Travel Mart 2025. The event is hosted by the International College for Sustainability Studies at Srinakharinwirot University (SWUIC), in collaboration with Bangkok University International.
The symposium will include panel discussions, student-led dialogues and opportunities to meet leaders from across the Asia-Pacific tourism sector. It is designed to provide young professionals with practical knowledge and skills to prepare for careers in the industry.
The event will begin with keynote speeches from Sophia Montgomery, a Physics student at Harvard University and Paris 2024 Olympian in Women’s Dinghy Sailing, and Jonathan Low, CEO of Global Success Learning Academy. This will be followed by a panel with graduates who have successfully entered the tourism workforce, giving students a chance to engage with experienced professionals.
Two additional panels will focus on career guidance. Uncovering the Unseen: Discovering Hidden Careers in Tourism will feature experts from the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, Intrepid Travel and iSanook Hotels & Resorts, highlighting lesser-known career paths. Career-Ready: How to Impress Recruiters will include human resources professionals from Dusit International and other companies, offering advice on preparing for the job market.
The day will conclude with a Student Chapter workshop, co-organised by the PATA Thailand SWUIC Student Chapter and the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter.
The symposium aims to connect students with industry insights, develop career skills and encourage engagement with the Asia Pacific tourism sector.
SWUIC will welcome participants to its campus. The college aims to develop students with an understanding of sustainability and diversity while providing skills for the modern workplace. The campus will be the venue for discussions on career paths and trends in travel and tourism.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “Empowering youth is not just an investment in their future, it is an investment in the future of the tourism industry. Together, as an industry, we must build the bridges that lead them from aspiration to achievement.
“PATA is, of course, grateful to our host, the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, and all participating organisations for joining us in supporting the rising stars of our industry. Without them, this event would not be possible.”
Thanakorn Thongprayoon, dean of the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, commented: “The PATA Youth Symposium 2025 aligns closely with our mission to foster globally minded graduates who are not only career-ready, but also committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive future for the tourism industry. We believe in the power of youth, and by connecting them with industry leaders, we can ignite new ideas and drive meaningful change in our shared future.”
