The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) hosted the PATA Youth Symposium 2024 in Macao, China, on May 16, 2024, during the PATA Annual Summit. The symposium was hosted by the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) and supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and SJM Resorts, S.A.
Nearly 200 international and local youth, along with industry delegates from over 15 destinations, participated in the event. The symposium aimed to foster the development of the next generation of tourism professionals and bridge the gap between industry needs and academic preparation.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid emphasized the importance of human capital development in his opening remarks. He highlighted PATA’s commitment to facilitating a smooth transition for young professionals into the tourism workforce. MUST’s Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Prof. Goh Kok Beng, echoed these sentiments and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event.
Andrew Staples from Economist Impact provided insights into the economic state of the travel industry, noting its steady recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. Viola Chan from Vpon AI Big Data Group discussed the role of AI in enhancing productivity and personal advancement. Alan Elliott Merschen of MMGY Global delivered a presentation on tourism entrepreneurship, guiding aspiring business owners on effective business models, budget allocations, and paths to successful entrepreneurship.
Youth delegates engaged in roundtable discussions, sharing their perspectives on what would keep them in the tourism workforce and how the industry can better recruit and retain talent. The symposium concluded with a session introducing various tourism professions beyond frontline roles, broadening the youths’ understanding of career opportunities.
The PATA Youth Symposium 2024 successfully fostered dialogue between current and future tourism leaders, paving the way for a more integrated and dynamic industry workforce.
