“PATA Future Forward” is a youth-focused, action-driven session designed to inspire the next generation of tourism professionals to think critically, act collaboratively, and lead purposefully. The session opens with insights from industry experts on the evolving future of tourism, followed by a dynamic panel exploring the shifting landscape of hospitality, innovation, and leadership.
The session is by invitation only. For any queries about the event, contact YTP@PATA.org
0900-0905
Welcome by Masters of Ceremony
0905-0910
0910-0920
Empowering the Next Generation of Tourism Leaders
Speaker: Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador, Centara Hotels & Resorts; Chairperson, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Thailand Chapter; Vice President, ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHRA); Vice President, Thai Hotels Association (THA); Executive Board Member, PATA
0920-1000
Tourism in the BANI World
This panel explores how tourism professionals navigate an increasingly Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible (BANI) world. Panellists will share insights on leading with resilience, adapting to disruption, and finding opportunity in uncertainty. Through diverse perspectives—from business strategy to critical thinking—the session encourages future tourism leaders to embrace agility, collaboration, and values-driven innovation.
1000-1200
Tourism Challenge Lab: Skills for the Real World
This interactive workshop gives students a chance to build real-world skills like problem solving, teamwork, and pitching ideas. Participants will form teams and work on a challenge related to the tourism industry. With guidance from mentors, each team will develop a solution and present it to a panel. The top ideas will be recognised with it having a competition feature.
Facilitator: Gail Lozare, Partnerships & Program Manager, Khiri Campus
1200-1215
Future Thinking for Tourism → Inspirational / storytelling
Explores how global forces—such as data-driven innovation, sustainability imperatives, and shifting traveller behaviour—are reshaping the future of tourism and hospitality. The session highlights the importance of embracing change, systems thinking, and purpose-led strategy as essential tools for tomorrow’s tourism leaders. Attendees will gain insight into how to prepare for an industry in transformation and contribute meaningfully to its evolution.
Speaker: Willem Niemeijer, CEO, YAANA Ventures
1215-1230
Award Ceremony & Closing