The South Korean city of Pohang is set to host the PATA Youth Symposium on May 11, 2026, bringing together young tourism professionals, students, and industry stakeholders to explore the future of the travel and tourism sector. Organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the symposium will take place alongside the PATA Annual Summit 2026, aligning with the theme “Navigating Towards a Resilient Future.”
The event is supported by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organisation (GCTO), Pohang City, and the PATA Thailand Chapter, reflecting a strong collaborative effort between regional and international stakeholders. The half-day symposium will feature keynote sessions, interactive panel discussions, and student-led dialogues, offering participants valuable exposure to current industry trends and challenges.
A key focus of the symposium will be on equipping youth with adaptable skills and knowledge required to navigate the rapidly evolving tourism landscape. Discussions will examine how public and private sectors are collaborating to address global uncertainties, while also supporting the transition of young professionals from education to the workforce.
According to Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA, the initiative is designed to provide young participants with a clearer understanding of industry direction, in-demand skills, and direct insights from experts, while also offering a platform to share their perspectives.
Nam-Il Kim, CEO of GCTO, highlighted the symposium as a meaningful platform for youth to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and explore sustainable tourism practices, helping shape the next generation of global tourism leaders.
Adding to this, Sang-gil Jang, Acting Deputy Mayor of Pohang City, expressed pride in hosting the event, positioning Pohang as a dynamic destination for global dialogue and innovation. Meanwhile, Ben Montgomery, Chairperson of the PATA Thailand Chapter, emphasised the importance of empowering youth through international exposure and industry engagement.
The symposium will cover key topics including sustainability best practices, heritage tourism development, the growing role of artificial intelligence in travel, and future career pathways for young professionals.
By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, the PATA Youth Symposium 2026 is set to play a crucial role in shaping a resilient and future-ready tourism workforce.
