PATA Youth Symposium explores the future of young people in tourism

The PATA Youth Symposium held earlier this month in BSD-Serpong, Indonesia welcomed 193 students, alumni, lecturers and industry professionals from President University and other academic institutions in Indonesia to discuss the role of youth in the future of tourism.

The event, hosted by President University with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia and the PATA Indonesia Chapter, commenced on the first day of PATA Travel Mart 2016 under the theme ‘Young Entrepreneurs’ Role in Tourism’s Future’.

Opening the event, PATA Chief Executive Dr Mario Hardy stated “today’s youth are critical in addressing problems of the future. That solution starts today and we invite all students in attendance to share their views and opinions.”

Dr Hardy also noted that the Association would have a primary focus on youth in 2017 and will begin to organise activities centred upon education, entrepreneurship and other skills.

S.D. Darmono, founder of President University went on to explain “President University was founded 15 years ago to prepare students to be self-employed in case there were not enough jobs in the future.

“With classes taught in English the university also supported students to do internships and create student networks.

“Trust, friendship and communications skills are important factors in creating networks and platforms to do business as young entrepreneurs.”

The program was moderated by Stewart Moore, Chairman of the PATA Sustainability Committee and Chief Executive of EarthCheck, Australia.

Moore stated “the PATA Symposium promised to give us some insights into the entrepreneurs of the future and it delivered the goods.

“The students from President University stepped up to the mark and knocked us out with their passion and enthusiasm to not only embrace but also to set a new direction for the tourism industry. The PATA Youth Symposium once again reminded us of the importance of showcasing emerging leadership and talent.”

All participants shared their views in round-table discussions on topics including young entrepreneurs in tourism, business skills, marketing and communication in the digital age, social media, innovation and creativity through new ideas, storytelling and identifying new concepts that make experiences unique

The program was developed with guidance from Dr. Chris Bottrill, Chairman of the PATA Human Capital Development (HCD) Committee and Dean, Faculty of Global and Community Studies at Capilano University.

The PATA Human Capital Development Committee has organised successful educational events at various institutions including UCSI University Sarawak Campus (April 2010), Institute for Tourism Studies (September 2010), Beijing International Studies University (April 2011), Taylor’s University, Kuala Lumpur (April 2012), Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manila (September 2012), Thammasat University, Bangkok (April 2013), Chengdu Polytechnic, Huayuan Campus, China (September 2013), Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai Campus, China, (May 2014), Royal University of Phnom Penh (September 2014) and Sichuan Tourism School, Chengdu, (April 2015), Christ University, Bangalore (September 2015) and the University of Guam, USA (May 2016).

Images: Delegates and speakers at the PATA Youth Symposium.

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