PATA Youth Symposium to be Hosted in Pohang, One of Republic of Korea’s Industrial Heartlands

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will be organising its first PATA Youth Symposium of 2026 at Lahan Hotel, Pohang, Korea (ROK), on May 11, 2026, from 9 AM–12 PM. The event is supported by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO), Pohang City, and the PATA Thailand Chapter.

Event Details
- Date & Time: May 11, 2026, 9 AM–12 PM
- Venue: Lahan Hotel, Pohang, Republic of Korea
- Context: Held alongside the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026)
- Theme: Navigating Towards a Resilient Future

Purpose
- Equip youth with adaptable skills and knowledge for the evolving travel and tourism sector.
- Provide insights into industry trends, sustainability, AI applications, and heritage tourism.
- Create a platform for student-led dialogues and cross-cultural exchange.

Leadership Voices
- Noor Ahmad Hamid (PATA CEO): Symposium helps youth understand industry direction and prepare for careers.
- Nam-Il Kim (CEO, GCTO): Emphasizes creative ideas, passion, and sustainable tourism leadership.
- Sang-gil Jang (Acting Deputy Mayor, Pohang): Highlights Pohang’s innovation and resilience as a host city.
- Ben Montgomery (Chairperson, PATA Thailand Chapter): Stresses empowering youth as the future of tourism.

Speakers
Confirmed names include:
- Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor (CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board)
- Jules Shin (Area Manager Korea, Booking.com)
- Mike Stewart (Regional GM SE Asia, Intrepid Travel)
- Ben-Jie Lim (Chief People & Partnership Officer, AirAsia MOVE)
More speakers will be announced.

Networking
- GCTO will host a networking lunch to connect youth participants with industry professionals.

Significance
- Pohang, known as one of Korea’s industrial heartlands, is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and tourism dialogue.
- The symposium is a stepping stone for future global tourism leaders.

This event blends education, industry insights, and networking, making it a pivotal opportunity for young professionals entering tourism.